Many of you may have seen the illustration on top of the front page of this week’s Cardinal Points, accompanying the article “Minority admission rates examined.” It has come to our attention that the graphic in question not only has a disconnect to the article it was created to work with, but it also unintentionally features offensive and stereotypical elements that misrepresent African American students.
To be frank, we deeply regret the use of this graphic and any offense or harm it may have caused our friends and peers. As SUNY Plattsburgh students and editors of the newspaper, we are constantly trying to represent the campus community in the best possible way, and in this case, we did not do so.
Please know that we do not take this lightly and are using this as a constructive learning experience because we wish, more than anything, to remain an outlet of positivity and inclusion, where all members of our community feel safe and respected.
We are also including a link to our most recent editorial, discussing issues of racism and privilege, which we feel better emphasizes our stance.
The link appears to be broken. Is there another?
It’s “come to your attention”? Really? How does sow thing so blatantly offensive, insulting and insensitive get past the editing process? Who was in the approval chain of command that had to say “yes” in order for this “art” to be published?
Perhaps the same folks who penned this poorly written and insufficient apology?
As a SUNY grad and media professional of nearly 40 years, this insulting and demeaning cartoon has no place on the front page of a student newspaper or any newspaper.
Those responsible should accept a suspension for the remainder of the semester and use their newly found spare time to write stories to redeem the reputation of their paper and themselves, then apply for reinstatement. Their faculty advisor should consider doing the same.