February 28, 2008
Dear Students:
Recently, it came to our attention that a theme party entitled; “C--t Hunt” took place off campus. This event is not in keeping with our values as an institution. We take great pride in striving to honor diversity, academic excellence, leadership, care, faith and justice. The theme of this party is incompatible with these values, and the event’s hosts are presently engaged in discussion with university administration about their role in this matter.
This kind of event creates a potentially dangerous space in which the most harmful outcomes of sexism, heterosexism, and racism can play out. As stewards of this institution we must communicate that this type of behavior is unacceptable. Some may view this event as a “harmless” party or a “one time” event aimed at having fun. Others may differentiate between an on-campus event and one off-campus. We do not. As students and leaders you are responsible for both your intentions and the impact they may have on others. And you are held accountable for your conduct whether it may be off-campus or on-campus.
Seattle University’s mission and values implore us to examine critically our responsibilities as citizens of this community. As such, this membership bestows upon us the opportunity to co-create a more just and humane world. In this case, we are asked to critically examine the ways we support institutional sexism, heterosexism, and gender stereotypes. This critical examination of unjust social structures flows directly out of our Jesuit Catholic heritage to “advance the human dignity of every individual, realized in community.”
As leaders we all bear the weighty responsibility of grappling with these issues. Furthermore, we have a duty to maintain a safe learning environment for everyone. There are many faculty, staff and students on campus who are willing to engage in dialogue about issues of oppression, injustice, activism, and advocacy. Please take advantage of these resources that are available to you. Choose to be an active citizen of this community. Ask questions and challenge yourself and others to embody the values of Seattle University.
Respectfully,
Stephen Sundborg, S.J., President
Tim Leary, Ph.D., Senior Vice President
John Eshelman, Ph.D., Provost
Rob Kelly, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Development
Pat Howell, S.J., Vice President for Mission and Ministry
Ron Smith, Ph.D., Vice President for Business and Finance
MaryKay McFadden, Vice President for University Advancement
Bob Dullea, Ph.D., Vice President for University Planning
Mary Petersen, J.D., Vice President and University Counsel
I think this is honorable of the university. Tristy, do you back me up? Do people think this letter is way out of proportion? Do people have a right to express themselves in this way?
4 comments:
It is so crazy that you found my blog today, because I found yours as well this morning. I also found yours through Carly! I must say that it was "density." (Can you name that movie?)
We have to get together when you come to town, or I will be depressed and lock myself in my room and not come out for weeks!
By the by, I saw your dad at church last week! I just love him!
Talk about random message, but I guess thats me in a nutshell!
Hayley, I'm so glad you found me. And I'm so glad you have a blog. I am much better at keeping in touch through these. I would love to hang out and hear all about what you are up to. Yes, we should all definitely get together in March. I can't wati.
I don't get it, what is C--t Hunt? Oh, is it Cult Hunt?
holy carp! I am GLAD that they sent it out. You go to a private university, a religious university, at that. There are standards and expectations, either explicitly or implicitly, that should be met by the mere fact that people are attending the university. Good for them for sending it out and good for you for recognizing that.
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