On Sept. 7, several frosh facilitators went to a party wearing shirts reading “Fuck Safe Space.” Pictures of people wearing the shirts were then posted on social media by both the participants themselves and the public—who were less than pleased by the display.
On the evening of Sept. 8, an apology was posted on Carleton’s website in regard to the incident saying, “While our intentions were not to harm or disrespect anyone, the shirts in question were without a doubt inappropriate, inconsiderate, offensive and disgraceful.”
This is a great first step to amending the damage the display of the shirts caused, but it doesn’t account for the specific individuals who were involved in the event.
The apology would be much more effective if it was coming from individuals rather than being signed “Your ‘Join the Conspiracy’ Team Leaders.”
While many team leaders were involved, it is not fair for the dozens of frosh week volunteers to be blamed as well, which this blanket signature implies.
It’s possible many students who donned the shirt feel they can not come forward individually for fear of public backlash. The public should give these individuals a chance to make amends.
Included in the apology was the statement the individuals in question will be participating in community service as a way to make up for this incident, but it still doesn’t specifically acknowledge that each individual understands the true implications and is genuinely sorry about what they did.
