On Friday, Nov. 19, we, the members of the Student Activities Board, issued a campus-wide apology for any SAB programs, events and/or published materials this past semester that a member of our student community may have found offensive in any way.
The apology was written in order to address concerns that were brought to our attention during the SAB Feedback Session the previous evening. While there were specific examples of programs, events and/or published materials that were directly addressed during the Feedback Session by those in attendance, we recognize that there might have been other programs, events and/or published materials that students who were not at the Feedback Session might have taken exception to. We also recognize that while some students might have taken issue with these programs, events and/or published materials, there are students on this campus who were not offended and who respectfully disagree with those who were.
As such, the decision was made to issue a non-specific apology, as we did not wish do disenfranchise our student community.
We recognize that the Pride Week shirt was a catalyst that has since brought forward larger issues on our campus. It has also created an opportunity where respectful dialogue of divergent views, thoughts and opinions held on campus can be voiced and shared.
We feel that awareness and understanding of these opposing views regarding these issues are vital in order to advance the educational enrichment of our student body.
As student leaders, we know that students can best take advantage of this opportunity by participating in the Identify Forums, sponsored by the Board of Governance, where we as a community can share our opinions, express our concerns and engage in respectful dialogue.
In conclusion, SAB would like to assure our student body that we are constantly reviewing our programming methods in an effort to bring the highest quality programs onto campus. We are also taking steps to better identify programs, events and/or published materials that might be seen as offensive or insensitive to anyone on campus in an attempt not to further offend. We again encourage students to attend the weekly SAB meetings which are open to the entire student body and to share your thoughts as we continue to provide the best programs possible.
Saint Mary's College Student Activities Board
Nov. 30
