FRESHMAN PHYSICS PROBLEM NOT INTENDED TO OFFEND It has been brought to my attention that the following 8.01 problem offended some members of our community: You are in the forefront of a civil rights demonstration when the police decide to disperse the crowd using a water cannon. If the cannon they turn on you delivers 1,000 liters of water per minuteŠ what force does the water exert on you? I am sorry that this problem has caused distress, and for the coming year, this problem will be removed. I am particularly saddened by the distress I have caused since my intentions in including the problem were exactly the opposite. For me, and for many others of my generation, the situation depicted above serves as a vivid reminder of the courage displayed by many individuals of all races in advancing justice and political freedom across the world. Many of the 8.01 problems attempt to connect simple physics with real experiences. In retrospect, I realize that some may feel that it is inappropriate to raise broader issues through a freshman homework assignment. Wit Busza Professor of Physics _________________________________________________________________ Copyright 1995, The Tech. All rights reserved. This story was published on February 14, 1995. Volume 115, Number 3. This story appeared on page 4. This article may be freely distributed electronically, provided it is distributed in its entirety and includes this notice, but may not be reprinted without the express written permission of The Tech. Write to archive@the-tech.mit.edu for additional details.