Like many of you, I came to school freshman year and was greeted by signs hanging outside every dude’s house meant to heckle freshmen parents and excite actual freshman. They usually went something along the lines of telling parents that they were giving up their children to a life of partying. Upon seeing a “Freshman fathers, we thank you for your daughters” sign so many years ago, my dad burst into laughter, under the false notion that this was creative. He then continued to beep at every “you honk, we drink” sign he saw, delighted at the life of mayhem I was about to embark upon. Or to embarrass me. Still unclear.
But alas, some students at Old Dominion got a bit of attention for posting their own sign, shown above. Even I got a chuckle out of the suggestion of dropping mom off. Good form.
WAVY obtained a statement from ODU’s President:
Dear Colleague:
I am outraged about the offensive message directed toward women that was visible for a time on 43rd Street. Our students, campus community and alumni have been offended.
While we constantly educate students, faculty and staff about sexual assault and sexual harassment, this incident confirms our collective efforts are still failing to register with some.
A young lady I talked to earlier today courageously described the true meaning of the hurt this caused. She thought seriously about going back home.
But she was heartened, she explained, when she saw how fellow students were reacting to this incident on social media. She realized this callous and senseless act did not reflect the Old Dominion she has come to love.
The Student Government Association has recently developed the “Monarchs Raising Up” campaign educating our students on prevention of sexual and relationship violence, bystander intervention, and off-campus responsible behavior. Through video, online and in-person content, we layer education on these topics for all of our students throughout the year. All new freshman just received education this weekend on preventing discrimination and sexual assault in sessions we call “First Class.”
Here is a link to a video from our student leaders responding to this event–just one example of how Old Dominion University students take a stand every day in regards to respecting each other and promoting responsible behavior: https://youtu.be/NC72ruvRtdY
I said at my State of the University address that there is zero tolerance on this campus for sexual assault and sexual harassment. This incident will be reviewed immediately by those on campus empowered to do so. Any student found to have violated the code of conduct will be subject to disciplinary action.
Sincerely,
John R. Broderick
President
Really, sir? You are outraged? Outraged by something that you’ve likely seen every single year for at least the past decade? Good grief.
The signs have since been removed..
[via WAVY]
Nice Move313
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Veronica Ruckh
Veronica (@VeronicaRuckh) is the Director of Total Sorority Move for Grandex, Inc. After having spent her undergraduate years drinking $4 double LITs on a patio and drunk texting away potential suitors, she managed to graduate with an impressive GPA and an unimpressive engagement ring -- so unimpressive, in fact, some might say it's not there at all. Veronica has since been fulfilling her duties as "America's big," a title she gave to herself with the help of her giant ego. She has recently switched from vodka to wine on weekdays. Email her at veronica@grandex.co
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