UW student to apologize

The waves expanding from the University of Washington Student Senate rejection of a memorial to "Pappy" Boyington have been interesting to follow. As I noted in Sunday's post, there were several statements of an objectionable nature reported in the minutes from the meeting. One of the most egregious, however, was the statement from student senator Jill Edwards that 'she didn’t believe a member of the Marine Corps was an example of the sort of person UW wanted to produce.' The minutes note that all statements are paraphrased, unless "" are present in the document, so this is a paraphrase. Still, there is little doubt of the speaker's intent. [Ed. Note: My original post indicated that the following legislation had passed the student senate. This has not occurred. Thanks to NOTR for the correction.] I discovered Wednesday via RofaSix that she is going to be forced by her fellow students to recant those words. The student senate, you see, has approved submitted this legislation: Edwards Apology WHEREAS Student Senator Jill Edwards offended all members of the United States Marine Corps, past or present, dead or alive; especially those who were, are, or will be students at the University of Washington with her comment that she "didn't believe a member of the Marine Corps was an example of the sort of person UW wanted to produce." This commented brought shame and dishonor to not only the UW Student Senate, but also the University as a whole, all its members who have served in the Marine Corps and all Marines past and present. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON: THAT Student Senator Jill Edwards will submit, in writing, a signed apology letter seeking forgiveness to all students, staff, and alumni who are now or ever have served in the United States Marine Corps. In said letter it will contain a formal apology and a recognition that her very rights and freedoms are guaranteed by such members of the armed services, to include the Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, past or present, living or dead. Additionally, said letter will be printed in all its form and substance in that day's edition of the UW Daily newspaper as well as being recited on the UW Radio station. To realize her mistake, she must acquaint herself with the history of the person she is so keen to dismiss, by reading Col. Boyington's book, Baa, Baa, Black Sheep. All of these requirements are mandatory, under pain of losing her seat on the Student Senate. History of Legislation 02/15/2006: Submitted for consideration I wonder how they plan to test the young lady's compliance regarding the study of Col. Boyington's history? By the way ... the original draft minutes that I linked to originally are still posted on the ASUW senate. However, the final minutes are also posted now. I've read comments on various blogs from students who claimed that the first release of the minutes were a draft, implying that the final notes might be different in some ways. I've compared the two versions for the key areas that have been the focus of attention, and they are identical as far as I can see. However, if you would like to look closely at the two versions, I'd like to know what you think of the details of the final resolution vote. I have my thoughts on this, but I'd like to hear yours. A small snide voice in my head wonders that the senate members did not share this feedback directly to Ms. Edwards *during* the discussion in last week's session. But then, some of it seems to be directly related to the Forum discussion on the UW site, where students (including one identified as 'A Navy Chief') debated the meaning of the students' statements, and suggested remedial actions for better understanding. Regardless - I hope that Ms. Edwards complies with this resolution. I will follow up when (and if) I see the public apology. And it truly remains to be seen whether she, and like-minded fellow students, will truly learn the lesson of this whole event. Other Takes Rule of Reason University of Washington should honor 'Pappy' Boyington The Chief Brief UW Senate Discusses Boyington Issue Blackfive Student Senate at UofWash Needs Chops Busted Ace of Spades Pappy Boyington-Dissing Nitwit Will Publicly Apologize