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I'm not going to spend much time on this. All I will say is context is decisive. Something like this when seen in a movie like "American Pie" is intended to be funny, and that is why the viewer has paid to see the movie; to see something funny. While the young men who hung these signs were trying to be funny, it was not a proper time or place (move in day on a college campus) for this kind of attempt at humor.

This is not original. This exact same thing has happened at other campuses before. I don't know what the outcome was at the other locations, but I would be all for at least a one semester suspension of those students that are responsible. If nothing else, it is just an incredibly stupid thing to do in this day and age, regardless of the intent.
I have never believed that college is for everyone, and these students proved that they are not smart enough to limit the extent of their "humor" given the attention this topic has garnered in recent years.

It's one thing to joke about it privately among themselves, but to publicly hang banners like that is just stupid. Yeah, I get the "humor" in it, but I am more concerned with the damage to the reputation of the university that is inscribed on my diploma. That diploma is an investment for more than 130,000 people. When something like this happens, that investment loses value.

(08-23-2015 08:57 AM)paintedblue2 Wrote:  I'm not going to spend much time on this. All I will say is context is decisive. Something like this when seen in a movie like "American Pie" is intended to be funny, and that is why the viewer has paid to see the move; to see something funny. While the young men who hung these signs were trying to be funny, it was not a proper time or place (move in day on a college campus) for this kind of attempt at humor.

A lack of awareness about the media climate that currently exists is also troubling. Have to wonder if they remotely considered the possibility that this would spawn awful press for themselves and for the university's perception.

(08-23-2015 09:02 AM)CameramanJ Wrote:  

(08-23-2015 08:57 AM)paintedblue2 Wrote:  I'm not going to spend much time on this. All I will say is context is decisive. Something like this when seen in a movie like "American Pie" is intended to be funny, and that is why the viewer has paid to see the move; to see something funny. While the young men who hung these signs were trying to be funny, it was not a proper time or place (move in day on a college campus) for this kind of attempt at humor.

A lack of awareness about the media climate that currently exists is also troubling. Have to wonder if they remotely considered the possibility that this would spawn awful press for themselves and for the university's perception.

Excellent points, pb2 and c'manj.

College-age male immaturity is an unavoidable reality. I am as guilty as anyone on this front.

(As an aside, I think every male should be blessed with one or more daughters. It will immediately drive the pig right out of you.)

The difference for today's college males is that the stupidity does not disappear the next morning when you've sobered up. It has the potential to live on forever on social media. And if it is particularly stupid -- as this latest episode is -- it can be amplified well beyond what is reasonable.

We can all say "they should have known better" -- because they should have. But, like the majority of male college students, they didn't. And as a result they now have a very ugly social tattoo on their records. One that will be very hard to remove.

Total idiots. But I feel for them.

(08-23-2015 08:57 AM)paintedblue2 Wrote:  I'm not going to spend much time on this. All I will say is context is decisive. Something like this when seen in a movie like "American Pie" is intended to be funny, and that is why the viewer has paid to see the movie; to see something funny. While the young men who hung these signs were trying to be funny, it was not a proper time or place (move in day on a college campus) for this kind of attempt at humor.

Agreed. But so what? Young kids using questionable judgment. What's new in the world?? Not worth putting in the paper or as Robothan describes it "evidence of the rape culture" Really?? That's a bit overboard.

Not if you're trying to sell payers or get clicks.

Absolutely embarrassing and disgusting. ODU already has serious perception issues with crime and safety, and this only pours fuel to the fire and provides more negative publicity. In the message board world it may seem much to do about nothing, but with fraternities under high media scrutiny as of late, don't be shocked if this got national attention. ODU needs to throw down the hammer.

Broderick's initial response:

"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"

Kids will be kids. Move along

(08-23-2015 09:33 AM)Old Dominion Wrote:  

(08-23-2015 08:57 AM)paintedblue2 Wrote:  I'm not going to spend much time on this. All I will say is context is decisive. Something like this when seen in a movie like "American Pie" is intended to be funny, and that is why the viewer has paid to see the movie; to see something funny. While the young men who hung these signs were trying to be funny, it was not a proper time or place (move in day on a college campus) for this kind of attempt at humor.

Agreed. But so what? Young kids using questionable judgment. What's new in the world?? Not worth putting in the paper or as Robothan describes it "evidence of the rape culture" Really?? That's a bit overboard.

100% agree

The world we live in is just absurd. Come on people there are real things happening to really be outraged about just blocks away. The internet speech police should step away from the computer occasionally and see what is really happening out there in the world. This is barely a blip compared to the things that go on everyday in Park Place. If they want to make a difference in the world, helping out in that community, and others that are struggling would be a much more productive use of time and energy than railing qbout a failed attempt at humor from some college students.

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Punishing some kids for exercising their freedom of speech off the campus (granted in bad taste) and doing so in a legal manor should not be punished under the Code of Conduct. Also, the Code of Conduct applies to legal activities outside of school if the President of the University doesn't like something?That is a dangerous precedent that gives the President of the University way to much power.

(08-23-2015 09:02 AM)CameramanJ Wrote:  

(08-23-2015 08:57 AM)paintedblue2 Wrote:  I'm not going to spend much time on this. All I will say is context is decisive. Something like this when seen in a movie like "American Pie" is intended to be funny, and that is why the viewer has paid to see the move; to see something funny. While the young men who hung these signs were trying to be funny, it was not a proper time or place (move in day on a college campus) for this kind of attempt at humor.

A lack of awareness about the media climate that currently exists is also troubling. Have to wonder if they remotely considered the possibility that this would spawn awful press for themselves and for the university's perception.

I don't have wonder if they thought passed if they had enough room on the sheet to finish the sentence. They didnt. They were being stupid 18 year olds.

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(08-23-2015 03:41 PM)FTW ODU Wrote:  Punishing some kids for exercising their freedom of speech off the campus (granted in bad taste) and doing so in a legal manor should not be punished under the Code of Conduct. Also, the Code of Conduct applies to legal activities outside of school if the President of the University doesn't like something?That is a dangerous precedent that gives the President of the University way to much power.

It is punishable under the code of conduct because its sexual assault. Its a Title IX violation. Given the focus that sexual assault has received in the past year makes this an even bigger issue and if you find humor in this then you are part of the problem. Here are a couple of facts for you and also a reason why ODU is making a "big deal" as some on this board would call it out of this:
1) The First 6 weeks are the Red Zone for women when they are most likely to be sexually assaulted in their life
2) ODU has received a grant from the federal government to help find ways to reduce and eventually eliminate sexual assault from college campuses

There is zero reason for this to happen ever on campus because once a person male or female is sexually assaulted that lives with them forever. ODU should be an inviting place where everyone feels as though they are in a safe and accepting community and this does the opposite of that and sends the wrong message about what ODU is all about. In the letter President Broderick spoke of a student who was uncomfortable by the message sent by the banners, now she is likely to tell other people about the negative experience she had at ODU which will make people go other places to receive their degree. The last point that I will make to those who find humor in this is if that were your daughter that the signs were directed towards I would doubt you would find the same humor you find in it now.

What? It is sexual assault to make pg 13 rated crude jokes now? Smh.

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(08-23-2015 07:32 PM)Monarchblue Wrote:  What? It is sexual assault to make pg 13 rated crude jokes now? Smh.

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We live in a hypersensitive world.

We should get past that. It will help everyone be happier and more productive.

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Men are in no way qualified to judge what is offensive or threatening towards women.

A current student posted this about the signs. I think it's spot on. https://sarahhustead.wordpress.com/2015/...seriously/

(08-23-2015 10:53 AM)monarchman Wrote:  Absolutely embarrassing and disgusting. ODU already has serious perception issues with crime and safety, and this only pours fuel to the fire and provides more negative publicity. In the message board world it may seem much to do about nothing, but with fraternities under high media scrutiny as of late, don't be shocked if this got national attention. ODU needs to throw down the hammer.

Broderick should be addressing real crime, not making up a fake crime to make him look tough. This will blow up in his face and he should consider resignation. He doesn't have the students back. If he wants to show he is a weak, pathetic loser, he could have just said that he disagrees with the poor taste of the signs, but he needs to behind his students under this kind of witch hunt.

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