November 21, 2003

Statement from University President John T. Casteen III

I take any complaints about racial insensitivity or discrimination seriously, and I expect all University of Virginia staff members to demonstrate the utmost respect for one another and for those we serve.

I cannot claim to know everything about the incident or whatever may have preceded it, but I asked for and received the best report available to us now. R. Edward Howell, the Hospital's chief executive officer, provided this information:

The person's supervisor and the four other individuals who were present when the statement was made were interviewed individually to see if there was a consistent interpretation of the event.

Each person described a scene in which a group of employees had been talking about football. All described good-natured exchanges between individuals who favored the Washington Redskins or the Dallas Cowboys. The conversation turned to the widespread controversy over team names, in particular the Redskins, and each participant described the offending comment in similar terms. The offender was reported to have said something like this: "I can't believe in this day and age that there's a sports team in our nation's capital named the Redskins. That is as derogatory to Indians as having a team called N****** would be to Blacks."

No one reported being personally offended by the remark, although they alternately described their reactions as "shocked," "surprised," and "stunned." They said that while they understood the point their colleague was making, they would have preferred the word had not been used.

They also reported no previous indication in the individual's language or behavior to suggest racial insensitivity. In summary, they said they felt it was an unfortunate, one-time use of language.

Follow-up with the employee was recommended and appropriate action has been taken.

This information differs in fundamental ways from that reported in The Cavalier Daily earlier this week. I am given to understand that this report is based on statements made by eyewitnesses to the incident, and that it is correct as to both fact and context. Needless to say, the usage remains offensive even in the original context, and I am sad to see it used in the workplace.

Reasonable people will differ as to intent in this situation, but the larger context of discussion about this issue said to have been under discussion at the meeting is well known. Newspapers have reported as recently as this week about efforts on the part of Native American tribes and other organizations to gain intellectual property rights over their names and to sensitize Americans generally about the derogatory connotations of various sports teams' names and logos. I object to the insulting term that was apparently used in this meeting. Yet I can imagine that the speaker may have intended something other than an insult.

The University expects all members of the University community to be alert to the rights and dignity of all of our people and also alert to racial and other insults. All should feel comfortable talking to their colleagues and supervisors about offensive or demeaning language or actions. We share and ought to welcome the responsibility for making the University community a welcoming environment for everyone.