If you haven’t heard the about UBC’s first scandal of the semester, check out The Ubyssey‘s article here: http://ubyssey.ca/news/sauder-chant-325/?fb_action_ids=10153215723320384&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582
Although the news may be old, the thought of it is still fresh in my mind. Obviously something like this is going to get a lot of attention. Personal opinions, blasts toward UBC and Sauder, and judgements about Sauder FROSH leaders and attendees will surely be flying around.
My personal opinions on the content of the cheer aside, my biggest question is What will be their punishment? Merriam-webster defines punishment as “A penalty inflicted on an offender through judicial procedure”. Who is the offender in this case? Is it the FROSH students chanting? The leaders for teaching the cheer? The leaders’ leaders? It is Sauder’s fault? UBC’s fault?
Deciding who should be punished is next to impossible. Who is going to decide what who will punished is also beyond me. I’ve heard students suggest that FROSH be banned all together. I did not participate in any FROSH events, but I appreciate that it is a tradition at UBC. I appreciate that it can be a great way meet other students in your faculty and to become used to your new surroundings at university. Banning FROSH doesn’t solve the problem. Nor does it undo the damage done by the words in the cheer itself. Banning FROSH would punish innocent future first-years. The students participating this year had their FROSH, they had their experience. Taking it away from others wouldn’t be fair. As far as I have read, there have been no real effort from anybody to make an apology toward FROSH attendees who may have felt uncomfortable during the cheers, and also no apology to the public who is all shocked by the entire scandal. A formal apology is the first step that needs to be taken. A real, genuine, “owning up to your mistake” apology needs to be made. No beating around the bushes.
As far as a punishment goes. I just don’t know. It’s not for me to decide, but I’d like to know if anybody has any ideas. At this point I need to do more research on the subject. If readers have a link or know what has been decided or what is floating around as ideas as “punishment”, please share.
I am not a professional blogger. I do not think I have the most important or powerful opinion on this topic. I just want to share what is on my mind. Maybe it will resonate with some readers and maybe we can start some discussion. So if you agree or disagree with anything I have written, wish to add to what I have said or share what has been on your mind – Comment! I’m writing because I want to hear the opinions of other students.