UMD Apologizes for 'Holiday Greeting' Innuendo (vanity)

Vanity | 12/19/05 | lpeterboyd

[lpeterboyd]

I apologize for the vanity but thought we'd all enjoy a good laugh at the extent to which PC has invaded the University of Maryland. A friend of mine who is a student there recently complained (in an e-mail dripping with sarcasm) that the university president's "Holiday Greeting" e-mail was offensive. Below is my friends initial complaint and the response he received from the diversity office.

From: DELETED
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2005
To: PRESIDENT MOTE
Cc: DELETED
Subject: Re: Holiday Greeting

President Mote,

I wanted to let you know that I was deeply offended by your recent mass e-mail regarding Holiday Greetings.

You noted that this season is a time "when we gather with family and friends to relax, take stock, and count our blessings." I feel that using the term "blessings" implies the existence of an omnipotent being that influences our lives. This implication can be very offensive to the atheist population at this university. It also borders on a violation of the First Amendment because it implies state sponsorship of a God-centered religion.

I was also offended by the online animation wishing us to be inspired. I noticed that in the bottom corners of the animation, there sit holly leaves and berries. Those symbols reek of Christmas to me and it certainly implies an endorsement of that holiday over th! e many other holidays celebrated during this season. Where is the menorah, or the harvest basket? Why must you use a clearly Christian symbol when addressing a very diverse group of people?

I hope that you will seriously consider retracting your "happy holiday" wishes, apologize for the offensive nature of your e-mail, and ensure that the animation is removed from the university's web site before more people are offended.

Thank you, DELETED Student

P.S. I have copied this complaint to several administrators who I believe can take appropriate action to alleviate this matter.

And the response from a diversity officer:

From: "Roger C."
To: "DELETED"
Subject: RE: Holiday Greeting
Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2005

Dear Mr. DELETED:

Thank you for your email. As you know the university is governed by state and federal laws and regulations as well as by the policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Regents. The university adheres to its Human Relations Code, a copy of which can be accessed through my office's website.

We are sorry that you felt offended by the communication or attachment sent last week. I will take your concern under advisement at this time. If you wish to follow up with any sort of formal action, I would be happy to meet with you to explain the various options. My personal line is 301-DEL-ETED. I expect to be out of the office for some vacation after this Wednesday.

Thank you. Roger C.

[Tennessee_Bob]

LOL! I love it!!!

[ConservativeTerrapin]

This is something I would expect from the alma mater. lol.

[GLDNGUN]

It might have been funnier, if it was, well, funny. It comes too close to what you might actually expect from an idiot lib. It would have been better and funnier had it been more over the top.

[Mulch]

I may have thrown in another completely outlandish statement but I think the president will get the point. For instance, how about berating the president for using the phrase "take stock" which may offend the socialist students who are opposed to capitalism.

[GLDNGUN]

how about berating the president for using the phrase "take stock" which may offend the socialist students who are opposed to capitalism.

Now you're talking. ;-)

[Prime Choice]

I say we make the Liberals practice the "tolerance for diversity" that they preach!

[Minnesoootan]

I expect to be out of the office for some vacation after this Wednesday.

heh heh,tip toed around that one didn't he/she!

[Malesherbes]

Right. Now why would someone take time off this time of year?

[freema]

I love it.