Gay Apartheid

[innerSpaceman]

Caveat: I read a transcript of his apology and did not watch the video.

But ... if his apology was carefully crafted to seem sincere, I think he succeeded. Because it was one of the rare apologies that did not creep with lawyertalk and seemed, to me, to actually come from the thoughts of the man offering the apology.

In this day and age, I give points for that.


I also say, "That's So Gay" pretty often ... so faggot dance is not really going to get me up in arms.

[Gemini Cricket]

I wrote a couple of letters and made a couple of calls.

Responses below. The font inconsistency from the president's office is true (I reproduced it here - LoT didn't have the same font) and made me laugh a little.

Mr. DeCaires,


As I said to the media shortly after this was reported to me
(see http://www.kitv.com/video/20231155/index.html), I am angered and disappointed by the statement attributed to Coach McMackin. It certainly does not represent the values of the University of Hawaii.


The coach of the football team of the University of Hawaii at Manoa -- one of the 10 campuses of the University of Hawaii system -- reports to UH Manoa Athletics Director Jim Donovan. Donovan in turn reports directly to the leader of the UH Manoa campus, Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw; both are copied on this reply. They will have direct responsibility for handling this matter going forward.


Tomorrow marks the end of my five years of service as the University of Hawaii President. Vice President Linda Johnsrud will be Acting President until M.R.C. Greenwood arrives in Hawaii on August 20. I am also copying VP Johnsrud on this reply.


David McClain
President
University of Hawaii System

Dear Mr. DeCaires,

I share your deep disappointment and concern about Coach McMackin's comments at the WAC meeting. As I indicated in my press release today, "Hurtful language like this has no place in our community, and particularly not among leaders of our UH Mānoa campus. Athletic Director Jim Donovan and I will be discussing with Coach McMackin further steps that will be taken to reaffirm his and our commitment to fair and equal treatment of all. We have a strong relationship with our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community, including Student Services Coordinator Camaron Miyamoto, so we are already working with them as to the best approach to address this issue."

I appreciate your writing and letting me hear your concerns, because UH Mānoa is truly committed to providing an inclusive, supportive environment for all members of our community. Mahalo - Virginia Hinshaw