To the Editor:
In a recent editorial entitled “Filling Empty Spaces” (THE HOYA, Sept. 23, 2005, A2), THE HOYA’s editorial board noted that the former New South cafeteria “languishes in disuse.” I would just like to clarify that the space is far from empty. The Georgetown Aikikai holds four classes every week in Riverside Lounge. Tae Kwon Do, various dance groups and GU Right to Life also take advantage of this free space. The rooms also play host to various special events throughout the year.
I’m not exactly sure what “use” the editorial board would rather put these rooms to. They are not really suited for administrative office space. Putting administrators or student groups in some sort of permanent facility there would only succeed in forcing those groups that still use it to try to find other empty space where they could conduct their business. For those groups whose business includes martial arts or dancing, this would be especially problematic, since there isn’t a whole lot of readily available space in which those sorts of activities can take place.
Conor Hanlon (SFS ’08) Treasurer, Georgetown Aikikai Oct. 2, 2005