UTA groceries; Baylor and Briles; political muscle
UTA groceries
I read that the University of Texas at Arlington will be investing $125 million in a research facility. I am proud of my alma mater and its new status as an R1: Doctoral University.
However, I have a question for Star-Telegram columnist Richard Greene and university President Vistasp Karbhari: Do you know how far students have to go to get fresh fruits or vegetables?
The nearest major supermarket, Tom Thumb, is 2.4 miles away from the university center, a 45-minute walk, according to Google Maps. The next closest, Kroger, is 2.5 miles away.
Research is important. So is maintaining a healthy student body.
Too many students without cars are forced to settle for the nearest fried food franchise, or processed items from one of the two gas stations within a mile of campus, when faced with a 45-minute walk in the Texas heat to the nearest grocery.
So, the next time you’re trying to decide what to do with $100 million, might I recommend looking at what students need?
John Martin Crowley, Arlington
Baylor and Briles
I read Jeff Caplan’s whole Sept. 10 article about Art Briles (“Savior or sinner: Will Briles’ past derail his bid to coach again?” ) looking for a hint of remorse on behalf of girls and women at Baylor.
I have been following the Briles saga from the shocking beginning from the viewpoint of a dad and grandpa of college-age daughters. Haven’t seen it yet. It’s all about the coach.
What about the safety of women at Baylor? I haven’t heard much in news about BU, nor in the future of coach Briles.
Still looking.
Neil Slattery, Fort Worth
Political muscle
The NCAA is flexing its political muscle to force North Carolina to change its transgender policy.
Funny, I had thought that we lived in a democracy where we voted for representatives to pass laws that reflect the public’s preferences. Now it appears that business bullies will instead determine public policy.
What’s to stop big business from attempting to override the people’s views and votes on other issues?
Thomas F. Harkins Jr., Fort Worth
This story was originally published September 15, 2016 at 5:04 PM with the headline "UTA groceries; Baylor and Briles; political muscle."