<p>Perception or Reality?</p>
<p>Have some concerns on what news is reporting. Any insight from anyone on their experiences?</p>
<p>My S is a senior and he is upset/embarrassed by the recent incidents. It is not at all reflective of the attitude of the students or of this diverse and accepting university (with perhaps the exception of a sick/misguided individual). </p>
<p>[Students</a> Surprised By Racial Slurs Found On Fordham University Property CBS New York](<a href=“http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/03/05/students-surprised-by-racial-slurs-found-on-fordham-university-property/]Students”>Students Surprised By Racial Slurs Found On Fordham University Property - CBS New York)</p>
<p>I was wondering when this would show up on these boards! </p>
<p>A couple of salient points to consider:</p>
<p>First, Fordham is a Jesuit Catholic institution. Its values and legacy embody the greatest and most inclusive Christian values (shared with other denominations and secular humanists, I might add) of mutual respect and sensitivity to others. There is nothing at Fordham more abhorrent than discrimination. It is antithetical to everything the University represents, as expressed clearly by Fr. McShane, S.J. </p>
<p>Second, Fordham is a large university (in toto), of 15,000 students. Fordham undergraduate colleges receive in excess of 33,000 applications a year. Fordham admissions tries its best to discern character from the applicants and decide on admissions accordingly. But at some point, someone with values contrary to Fordham values and Jesuit values may appear on campus. Its impossible to prevent that from happening. What is important is how the University responds, following a thorough investigation.</p>
<p>Third, a full investigation is underway. There is no guarantee the culprit will be caught. In fact, it might never be resolved. It is assumed it was a student who did this. That may or may not be true. It is assumed this was evil intent to hurt the victim. That may or may not be true. All sorts of motivations may be present in this unfortunate event.</p>
<p>Fourth, the Ram Newspaper has covered this problem and will stay on it. Students are rightfully concerned and express their views on the school response. But I for one have complete confidence that Fr. McShane is taking this event very seriously, is investigating thoroughly and if the culprit is caught will deal with that person in an appropriate manner, considering all necessary facts and circumstances. It may have been a vicious attack, and it may have been someone’s idea of a prank, and perhaps someone who was drunk. Its wrong, it has been condemned, and hopefull will not occur again.</p>
<p>Fifth, Fordham is very proud of its nearly 25% diversity on campus. There is no history of racial discrimination at Fordham, that I am aware of, certainly not at this level. </p>
<p>My personal view is this was likely someone’s very stupid and very insensitive and very outrageous idea of a prank. If they are caught, they should be severely punished. But we must wait to see what all the facts are. </p>
<p>You should NOT be concerned about a problem at Fordham. Fordham is a community of caring and sharing students. I know this first hand. My kid graduated from Rose Hill and had friends from all walks of life, all religious backgrounds, from nearly every state and some foreign countries and all racial and ethnic backgrounds. Fordham is a wonderful community which is welcoming and caring. </p>
<p>This event hurts all of us as parents, students, alumni, faculty, employees, donors and sports fans. It happens, sadly, at many college campuses, and all too often. I am deeply saddened it has finally happened at Fordham. But I know the Administration is working diligently with the proper authorities to find the culprit and that the students at Rose Hill are standing tall and standing together to prevent this from happening again. I can assure you, that this culprit, is a one-off anomaly and does NOT represent Fordham or its values or its student body. </p>
<p>It makes me very sick to think about it. Repugnant. Fordham will not tolerate this, trust me. </p>
<p>All applicants, admittees and students/parents should feel safe, secure and LOVED. And they are.</p>
<p>I’m a current RH student and agree the incidents absolutely misrepresent attitudes on campus. Of the hundreds of people I’ve met here, every one would agree that such actions are abhorrent, but unfortunately it’s statistically improbable for any population to go nimrod-free forever.</p>
<p>Why is this issue only a ‘racial’ one? Does no one care about the homophobia?</p>
<p>^^^ there was an issue about a slur at Lincoln Center, that is also being investigated and dealt with. There are strong measures of support from students and faculty and the formation of a new ad hoc committee called ACT on campus, meeting with administrators and Fr. McShane. The media, as they tend to do, like to make a point of this with Fordham because of our catholic and jesuit heritage, seemingly trying to embarrass the university. Students are working together to speak out against this sort of behavior, in an otherwise “relatively quiet” campus. Fordham has never been a big campus for social activism…that goes with other “ahem” universities in the region with a long legacy of social activism, such as Columbia. In that respect perhaps its a good thing, a silver lining to an otherwise terrible couple of events, that it makes students more aware and more willing to speak out against such actions. Fordham has always stood for social justice and mutual respect, its just never been a hotbed of political/social activism. Though alumni from the Vietnam era may differ with me on that opinion. </p>
<p>Rest assured that Fordham cares, Fordham is acting vigilantly and with pressing urgency to resolve these crimes and working towards healing. You should also leave open the possibility that people’s assumptions about the identity of the perpetrator and the intentions are wrong. Investigations consider all angles, to be complete and fair. </p>
<p>In a greater university of 15,000 students from several undergraduate colleges and graduate/professional schools, its always possible…even almost impossible to prevent, one bad apple from appearing on campus. That does not lessen the severity of the crime or the harm/hurt caused by it. It only puts it in perspective. Fordham is a safe and secure and caring campus community. I am confident this will resolve soon and Fordham will move forward greater awareness and students will now be the first line of defense against this sort of thing by being outspoken against any level of discrimination towards any person or group. Fordham is very proud of its diverse student body.</p>