Replies

For anyone who cares to see, I picked out some of the more “interesting” comments on the university’s Facebook page that are criticizing the critics.... i.e., there are lots of comments saying how this is ridiculous, but here are some comments which try to “explain” why this is supposed to be such a serious issue. I don’t think these snowflakes make the case any better, but it is fun to see them try:

Juan Munoz:
If you don’t see why this apology was necessary and instead are ridiculing students for their concerns, then you are part of the problem.

Bryan Stephenson:
The majority of these comments serve as a tangible reminder that white people love telling POC how they are supposed to feel.

Paula Harrington:
Friends, the proper response is, “I’m so sorry you were offended. What can I do to help you or make this better for you?” (We’ll grow better together.)

Cedric Duncan:
This was not right and extremely offensive in many aspects, but as a black Alum that worked for the Lipscomb setup team I know that the Lowry’s probably had nothing to do with this. The catering team handles the food and the events/decorations team handles the centerpieces on tables; sometimes they don’t even co-ordinate the mix. I applaud Randy Lowry for apologizing and taking 100% of the blame. He could have slightly passed off some of the blame to catering or events but he didn’t. He took all of it, like a good leader should (I think the leader of a certain country could learn from him). This doesn’t mean the administration should get a pass but we need to pick our battles and aim them at the real problem and educate people on why this really is a messed up situation. Everybody in these comments that doesn’t understand why this is an extremely offensive and racist really needs to get some perspective. I suggest reading an american history book from the Beaman Library.

Kiandra Hawkins:
As a black student who was present at this dinner, I would like to say that we did not ask for an apology to be broadcoasted out on every social media platform. This situation is about more than cotton centerpieces even though these were completely racially insensitive. There were other problems that occurred at the dinner that are not mentioned in this “apology”. We came to his house after being told that we would get to share our experiences as a black student and to have a question and answer session with President Lowry. Instead, we heard his life story, his wife’s, and the life story of David Lipscomb (with an emphasis on all the good things he did for slaves and African Americans). We did not get a chance to voice any of our questions like we were promised. Therefore, we are upset about other things aside from these poorly chosen cotton centerpieces. And we are also upset by how our university president chose to go about addressing this whole situation. We simply asked to talk to him face to face and instead we received an apology that was put on social media and even local channel 4 news. This is not what we asked for and this is not how we wanted this situation to be handled.

Shuntricia Almond Eyes Addison:
If it doesn’t affect you then you don’t have to criticize the ones who are affected by it. Have any of you been to a black family’s home? Have any of you ever seen cotton decor in our homes? We don’t honor cotton because of what we experienced harvesting it. Trauma is not only direct but transgenerational and historical. It is simply decor to you, it is not for us. As a soon to be alumna I am very displeased by these comments.
No need to respond... I said what I have to say. And any questions to gain genuine or condescending understanding can be directed to a minority student willing to have that conversation in person, especially one who has studied African American history or Africana studies...

Monica Carnell:
Pure ignorance!! I seriously can’t believe the comments I just read. President Lowry “chose” to apologize to the African-American students that were offended. President Lowry “chose” to take full responsibility. I applaud him for doing such but this should not have been posted. There are too many insensitive people in this world and Christian or not, there will always be disagreement and disappointment when speaking on race related topics in an open environment as Facebook. Whether cotton is used as a decoration around the world or not, some of those students were offended. Bottom Line!!! Not because they have been picking cotton all day but because their ancestors did. The decor was placed for this event, not by President Lowry or his wife. However, there wasn’t enough thought put into what was appropriate and what could be considered hurtful. Why, because there’s not enough diversity amongst the management staff. I will agree that it is hard to please everyone but “most” African-Americans would have said let’s use something other than the cotton if they were part of the decision making. Who knows, someone could have felt some type of way because of the menu selection. That’s their right to express how they feel. So they can discuss these types of things openly and hope that they can understand why this happened and the other person can understand why they were hurt. Some of you are clearly oblivious to other people’s feelings. Expression and communication is much needed everywhere!! Not oppression and anger as some of you are “Angry” that this apology was sent. How dare you compare a cotton shirt or cotton in a package to being invited to a dinner to discuss issues (as such) and having the trials and tribulations of your ancestors placed right in front of your face. This is the reason the dinner was needed and the comments I read are the reason more has to be done to reach everyone. Thanks President Lowry