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Crass sex columns misrepresent UCLA

I am incredibly offended that Lara Loewenstein, a Daily Bruin staff member, continues to write sex columns in the Viewpoint section.

I understand that the Viewpoint section is an opinion-based section of the paper, and I do support freedom of print and speech.

However, I also find her columns offensive, and I feel that printing them in a student-run publication sheds a bad light on the student body.

Furthermore, students are not the only readers of the Daily Bruin; parents, faculty and prospective students also read the paper. Personally, I would be embarrassed if my parents or professors ever read one of Loewenstein’s columns describing a “dirty Sanchez.”

If she wants to write columns about empowering women through sexual freedom, I support her. But choosing topics such as provocative gift ideas and the definitions of crude sexual acts is not supporting women’s rights. Instead, it is using shock appeal that leaves readers appalled and disgusted.

Such columns should be reserved for a personal Web site. A student-run publication reflects the student body’s thoughts and the intelligence of the consumers.

A publication that continually prints tasteless columns is a poor representation and an embarrassment to an internationally renowned university.

Christine Archuleta

Third-year, psychology

Columnist’s writings informative, gutsy

I’ve been following Lara Loewenstein’s column since I was a student, and I continue to follow them even now that I am in the work force.

Her wit and unique ideas address issues and themes that many writers don’t have the guts to talk about. Not only does she address them with maturity, intelligence and wisdom, but she makes them informative and educational. I have yet to find anything offensive or obscene in her writing.

I like to share these columns with my girl friends, who I know have similar open-minded views about the world. Good job.

Francisco Bodan

UCLA alumnus