LETTER: Soapbox was too condescending

Editor,            

One of the greatest freedoms that we, as Americans, enjoy is that of expression. I read with great interest, but also with regret and sadness, Matt Wright’s editorial entitled, “Students need to be notified when classes are dropped” in The Statesman’s “Soapbox” on Friday, Nov. 12. I appreciate the university’s need to continue to enhance its QUAD system, which, overall, has represented a huge step forward in our commitment to more efficiently registering students for classes. We know this system is far from perfect, and the Banner implementation will make it more responsive. I think Mr. Wright’s desire to be notified if a class is cancelled is reasonable, and we will look to address how our system can accomplish this.

Of much greater significance, however, is the condescending language and negative tone of Mr. Wright’s editorial. In his frustration and dissatisfaction, he states, “Since learning of the callous cancellations, I’ve heard enough stories to make me question whether or not a bunch of trained chimps are calling the shots for registration.” It is most unfortunate that Mr. Wright’s choice of words – “trained chimps” – represents not only a general degradation of the entire staff of the Registrar’s Office who work hard each day to try to have systems that better accommodate students, but it also could be interpreted as a personal, racially-laced affront for those of us who respect and admire our Registrar. Mr. Wright is correct in stating that the best way to express his concerns about the QUAD system may not be through an editorial. As a matter of fact, his desired outcome will hardly be reached through the use of historical stereotypes of African Americans that still today demean and hurt not only those in that group, but others who value and respect that excellence, leadership and diversity are inextricably tied.

I would invite Mr. Wright to take the high road and consider his words, which, unlike the old nursery rhyme, “can hurt.” Even if his word choice was unintentional, it is important to be informed and aware of age-old stereotypes that exist, so as to avoid using them. I’d also invite Mr. Wright to show some leadership and choose a more appropriate avenue, like meeting with the Registrar and/or Provost’s Office, and with a more civil and less offensive demeanor, work together with us to accomplish improvements in the QUAD system that could benefit all students.

Sue Guenter-Schlesinger

Assistant executive vice president for Affirmative Action and Diversity