THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 18, 1995 TAG: 9508170011
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
Shannon Faulkner said she didn't want special treatment - but she shouldn't have to shave her hair.
She said she wanted to experience the feel of camaraderie that staying in the Citadel barracks would allow. Who is she kidding? Talk about setting the Army up for a sexual-misconduct charge.
Now her weight shouldn't matter. Is the judge ready to tell the U.S. Army that it has to change the weight limit for every woman in the service? Is the commander in chief ready to step in?
And what about the men who are just 20 pounds overweight? Will this set the Army up for more suits from men who didn't make the limit?
At what point can Faulkner be told she's out of the Citadel? What if she cannot make the grade or keep up the physical rigors? Can she ever be taken seriously among those she may one day lead? Will anybody ever be able to criticize her without risking a lawsuit?
If Faulkner gets through the Citadel, there will always be whispers of what might have been done to be sure she made it without embarrassing the school. Whether you approve of it or not, it will be there. If she gets a particular job, people will wonder if it is because someone feared a lawsuit. If she doesn't get a spot she wants, will she call a press conference? How far out of the way should the Army go for Faulkner?
After all, she said she didn't want special treatment.
LAURA TARASOFF
Virginia Beach, Aug. 1, 1995 by CNB