Editor,
Regarding the controversy surrounding UNM history professor Richard Berthold, I believe several points need to be addressed.
First of all, while his remarks were ignorant and inappropriate, if people were regularly fired for making dumb remarks in the workplace, I think it's safe to say nobody would have a job.
The First Amendment is not only for the speech we like or agree with but the speech we may find repulsive or repugnant.
Second, the outcry over Berthold's remarks and allegations over lewd remarks in class merit a closer look. Several years ago, a football player assaulted a track runner, which was an actual crime against a student, yet nobody seemed to have called for that player's incarceration.
Furthermore, an allegation against basketball player Marlon Parmer regarding sexual harassment took eight months to get resolved. Those hounding Berthold seem to want his head as soon as possible over comments that have not yet been substantiated.
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Due process must be applied equally.
The woman making the allegations against Berthold for lewd remarks has shown she cannot even get her dates in order. Two of the dates she listed do not even correlate with his teaching schedule. This shows that she is either unorganized or just an outright liar.
Lastly, Rob Burpo and William Fuller have shown themselves to be pure opportunists acting as if they are actually doing something for the good of New Mexico.
In reality, their actions are nothing more than political posturing and they have shown that their priorities are not ones that concern the real issues facing New Mexico.
Brandon D. Curtis
Political science student
