EDITORIAL Vigilantes’ actions reveal policy flaw To the satisfaction of Wild West fans everywhere, the time-honored tradition of lynching is alive and well, at least on this campus. But instead of a length of hemp rope and a low-lying tree branch, today's lynch mobs are using Xerox machines. Our modem justice system is replete with all manner of rules, regulations and rights, and yet some times people still feel the need to sidestep procedure and take mattors into their own hands. Tuesday morning, two individuals (one of them a stu dent) took it upon themselves to distribute information al leaflets outside of the classroom of Profossor Arnulf Zweig of the philosophy department, and then proceed ed to inform the students entering his class of tne sexu al harassment charges that have been filed against him. The University has investigated the charges, and action on the mattor is reportedly "being taken." The findings of the investigation are closely guarded. Indeed the vory fact that there had been an investigation would not havo been generally known had it not been for the two women and their actions. Their choice to tell students about the alleged findings against Zweig was immediately described as ignoring the principle of "innocent, until proven guilty ” On the sur face. that’s how it appears. But consider this: At the Uni versity, no matter what the decision is in a sexual harass ment case, favorable or not, that decision will not be publicly revealed. If a professor is found guilty, ho will be quietly reprimanded, but students will not be informed of the finding. This case, regardless of its outcomo. points to a serious problem with the University's policy in dealing with sexual harassment charges. If students are not informed about their professors, they will not be able to make choices that are absolutely essential to their safety and the preservation of their rights. The University has a responsibility to reveal any decisions it makes thatdi roctly affoct tho students. No one is suggesting that there must be a full-page ad in tho Emerald decrying all the infractions committed by University staff, faculty and students. But the infor mation should bo available to those who seek it — so they’ll never have to learn the hard way. The work of another kind of photocopy vigilante appeared oarlier this week that, while unrelated to the Zwoig case, nonetheless boars some similarities. In this instance, flyers accusing a University student of rape wore circulated anonymously around campus. The name of tho accused student was highlighted in yellow, as was his alloged offense. According to the flyer, the victim of the rape had decided not to press charges. But it was the intention of tho flyor's author, who described himself as a "Con cerned Male” and a friend of the victim, to warn other women away from the alleged rapist. And. undoubtedly, to gain somo satisfaction by attacking the accused in a very public way. Oregon Daily Emerald The Oregon 0*y Emerald a published d*>y Monday throutfi f**>"0 the school year and Tuesday and Thursday during the summer by the Oregon Daily Emerald Publishing Co . Inc , al the Urvuersrty ol Oregon. Eugene. Oregon The Emerald operates independently oi the Utwersay with ohrces M Suae 300 ol the Erb Memorial linron and is a member ol the Associated Press The Emerald n private property The unlawful removal or use ol papers * prosecutable by law EdMor-to-CMaE. Jake Beta Managing Editor Editorial Editor Oraphlca Editor Fraalawca Edhor CaHay Andaraon David Thorn JaftPatfay Thor Watfwdan Sports Editor Editorial Editor Slav* Mms JsttP**hardl Photo Editor Anthony Fomoy lupplarwants EdHor KstySolo Aaaoclal* Editor*: Scot Claman*. Student Gov»>nm»nVAct'v