The GW President is managing to shoot himself in the foot.

So there's no PR person at Rice Hall that can tell him that he doesn't need to comment?

New statement from Wrighton apologizing for initial response but never a good thing to say you hastily responded without actually knowing what was on the posters.

Dear Members of the George Washington University Community,

Last week, the university learned of posters on campus depicting images that alarmed some members of our community, and we began to receive a number of concerns through official university reporting channels that cited bias and racism against the Chinese community. I also received an email directly from a student who expressed concerns.

At that time, and without more context on the origin or intent of the posters, I responded hastily to the student, writing that I, too, was concerned. University staff also responded to ensure the posters were removed. These responses were mistakes. Every member of the GW community should feel welcome and supported, but I should have taken more time to understand the entire situation before commenting.

I have since learned from our university’s scholars that the posters were designed by a Chinese-Australian artist, Badiucao, and they are a critique of China’s policies. Upon full understanding, I do not view these posters as racist; they are political statements. There is no university investigation underway, and the university will not take any action against the students who displayed the posters.

I want to be very clear: I support freedom of speech—even when it offends people—and creative art is a valued way to communicate on important societal issues. I also support the many students and faculty at our university who are engaged in researching, and actively advocating against, all forms of discrimination, marginalization, and oppression.

Our university’s scholarship, research, and support for those among us who need it most are the reasons that this great institution has fulfilled its mission for more than 200 years. As we embark on our third century, I am committed to upholding our mission and ensuring our community has the support to continue this critical work.

Sincerely yours,

Mark S. Wrighton
President

This probably will do nothing to get the "interim" label lifted from Wrighton´s title (unless a prefix of "ex-" is to replace it). File under "how not to make a good first impression".

Perhaps he can find a lesson in this quote "Conditions are changing all the time, and to adapt one´s thinking to the new conditions, one must study" (That, of course, is a quote from Mao Tsetung)

Last edited by GW Alum Abroad (2/07/2022 2:38 pm)

Florida Colonial wrote:

GW Alum Abroad wrote:

This probably will do nothing to get the "interim" label lifted from Wrighton´s title (unless a prefix of "ex-" is to replace it). File under "how not to make a good first impression".

Perhaps he can find a lesson in this quote "Conditions are changing all the time, and to adapt one´s thinking to the new conditions, one must study" (That, of course, is a quote from Mao Tsetung)

I could be wrong but I'm not sure that he has any desire to have the interim label lifted.. 

Definitely my understanding that he went into this as an interim assignment after a long successful tenure at Wash U. with no intent or spousal permission to make this anything but. Not doubling down on the misstep is a good sign.