Graduation: What Faculty Can Do

Date: May 8, 2004

Graduation: What Faculty Can Do

Date: May 8, 2004

Angeline

"Any other faculty willing to join me in this Stand Up and Cheer Protest????"

I will!

No Quarter!

Fire Shelby · Status: Offline

I love this idea.

Here are several names:

Patricia Miller - concerned student's group. She's been involved in protest planning and is often seen working at the concerned student's table in the lobby of LAB.

Drew Walker- grad student, protest organizer; I am pretty sure he is graduating.

Dennis Conklin - I believe he is graduating, but not certain. Also organized protests.

This is a wonderful idea.

Date: May 8, 2004

I disagree. Clapping for certain students is NOT a good idea. There are MANY students who have worked behind the scenes and have donated to the defense fund and have helped in as many anon. ways as possible but you and others may never know their names!!!

While there are certain students that are visible and cannot help to be, i.e., Rachel, there are many more that are not. To not clap for them as well during this special occasion when they also have accomplished a great deal and have worked their A** off to get their degrees, as well as support G&S, would be ... hurtful, embarressing, upsetting, and unfair.

Believe it or not, there are some of us that even though we are graduating are STILL not able to come forward for whatever particular circumstances we are in. Believe me, I have personnally suffered at the clumsy hands of this administration and I have wanted them gone long before the G&S situation but I am NOT able to come forward, I AM graduating, and clapping for someone else whos circumstances are different and not for me would hurt me to my core. I have struggled and accomplished a lot in life and here -- please don't belittle me at my own graduation because you don't know who I am.

!!

Don't you understand?? I am a fighter! This is killing me that I can't make my voice heard. But I CAN't. (I live for this type of fight, the fight against injustice, oppression and tyranny!) To explain to you why would be outing myself. I'm sure that there are others in similar situations. Just try to imagine yourself in similar shoes. Imagine that you are siting between Rachel Q and another highly visible G&S student supporter. Rachel Q goes up to the stage- big applause from faculty, you go up - silence, next person goes up - big applause. Don't you always feel a bit sorry for those people when several are getting awards and one gets hoots and howls from the audience, then the next person doesn't have many or any friends or family in the audience and there are just a few random claps? I dunno, Maybe I'm just a sentimentalist, but I do. I try to clap harder for THOSE people to make the difference less obvious and less embarressing.

Fire Shelby · Status: Offline

quote:
Originally posted by: word
"I disagree. Clapping for certain students is NOT a good idea. There are MANY students who have worked behind the scenes and have donated to the defense fund and have helped in as many anon. ways as possible but you and others may never know their names!!! While there are certain students that are visible and cannot help to be, i.e., Rachel, there are many more that are not. To not clap for them as well during this special occasion when they also have accomplished a great deal and have worked their A** off to get their degrees, as well as support G&S, would be ... hurtful, embarressing, upsetting, and unfair. Believe it or not, there are some of us that even though we are graduating are STILL not able to come forward for whatever particular circumstances we are in. Believe me, I have personnally suffered at the clumsy hands of this administration and I have wanted them gone long before the G&S situation but I am NOT able to come forward, I AM graduating, and clapping for someone else whos circumstances are different and not for me would hurt me to my core. I have struggled and accomplished a lot in life and here -- please don't belittle me at my own graduation because you don't know who I am. !! Don't you understand?? I am a fighter! This is killing me that I can't make my voice heard. But I CAN't. (I live for this type of fight, the fight against injustice, oppression and tyranny!) To explain to you why would be outing myself. I'm sure that there are others in similar situations. Just try to imagine yourself in similar shoes. Imagine that you are siting between Rachel Q and another highly visible G&S student supporter. Rachel Q goes up to the stage- big applause from faculty, you go up - silence, next person goes up - big applause. Don't you always feel a bit sorry for those people when several are getting awards and one gets hoots and howls from the audience, then the next person doesn't have many or any friends or family in the audience and there are just a few random claps? I dunno, Maybe I'm just a sentimentalist, but I do. I try to clap harder for THOSE people to make the difference less obvious and less embarressing. "

I would think that you would be supportive of the students who have been "out there."

I am not trying to diminish your contributions to the anti-Thames movement--not at all.

If I were you, and I had chosen to remain anonymous throughout the past eight weeks but had been involved in the movement, I would be tickled pink to see the student leaders who have publicly taken a stand (which was equally as risky for them as it would have been for you) be rewarded for their efforts. If I were you, I would join in the applause for them.

For their hard work, this is a small reward for them and an appropriate way to protest Thames.

Besides, there is NO WAY to ban applause for students. It happens at every graduation. Some students receive applause, some don't. I have never heard any graduate claim that their commencement was diminished because they didn't receive applause.

This is just my opinion--would like to hear the opinions of other message board members.

I have never felt insulted or jealous for not being applauded at commencement. I was applauded when I received my undergraduate diploma by a group of students. I was not when I received my MA. It never occurred to me that my day had been lessened because no one clapped for me.

Date: May 8, 2004

I like the idea of recognizing students who have been active, but realize there are so many whose names we do not know. Only one student was publically named by Thames, and I think it would send a dramatic message if she received a standing ovation from the faculty when she walked across the stage.

Date: May 8, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by:
student leaders who have publicly taken a stand (which was equally as risky for them as it would have been for you)

That statement right there shows that you have no idea, and cannot empathize, with what my circumstances are. You assume too much when you say that the risk was equal.

I respect your difference of opinion.

Date: May 8, 2004

The graduates that I can see being very uncomfortable with "coming out" so to speak are those who are in direct contact with people who are pro-Thames, and with whom they will have continued ties. They might be dependent on letters of rec, they could be graduate students who have possibly have some continued scholarly activity with these people. Heck, they might have parents who are personal friends of some of the families that we discuss on this Board. For example, these could be students in CISE or just in the CoEP. I don't know, it's just a thought.

Date: May 8, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: AnitaStamper
"I like the idea of recognizing students who have been active, but realize there are so many whose names we do not know. Only one student was publically named by Thames, and I think it would send a dramatic message if she received a standing ovation from the faculty when she walked across the stage."

I agree with this. Rachel was targeted. As a former editor of a school paper myself, and one that often took controversial or unpopular opinions to press, I DO applaud her.

However, even if you do create a list of students for the faculty to do the unusual and applaud, you're still going to leave some out - some that were in the forefront. It' is bound to happen even with the best intentions

Go ahead. If that is something the faculty want to do, single out a select few and applaud them, you're right, it is a free country and you can't BAN applause, not that I was suggesting that. I just think that it overlooks the hard and risky work of others.

Sphere, posted on the other thread that he/she also didn't think this was the best way to protest Thames. I don't see it anymore but I hope Sphere will elaborate on what he/she said earlier.

I just think that there must be a better way. Knock yourself out, applaud for whoever you want.

Date: May 8, 2004

I have to agree with Word on this issue. I think that Rachael Quinlivan is a terrific person, and she knows I hold that opinion. I also think that she deserves a big round of applause at graduation from people who know and respect her, but I do not think that recognition of Rachael accomplishments or integrity should be orchestrated.

I’ve put my name out there, but it is not because I am any braver or better than hundreds of people who oppose Thames and post those sentiments on this web site but who do not, for whatever reason, chose to reveal their real identity at this time, which, incidentally, includes my wife. A day will come, however, when these good men and women can step forward and proudly claim the authorship of the many, many marvelous pieces that we have enjoyed reading and have been inspired by over the past few weeks.

Those of us who were fired on January 17, 2003, will recall the frustration of not being able to speak our minds during the next six months because we still worked for the current administration. It was a matter of professional ethics, actually a perspective that has kept us more or less quiet until now. If it were not for Anne Wallace’s remarkable letter, over her name, on this site about two weeks ago (wasn’t the thread something like “What we have to do now”?), my voice may even now have been silent.

You can see why I have a soft spot in my heart for people like Word. I do not know the specifics of Word's situation, but I honor Word's privacy. Consequently, I suggest that we treat everyone we talk to as if he or she was a compatriot in our struggle to oust Thames, unless they give us a clear reason to believe otherwise. In those cases, just tell them,

NO QUARTER!

Jim Hollandsworth

Date: May 8, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: word
" I agree with this. Rachel was targeted. As a former editor of a school paper myself, and one that often took controversial or unpopular opinions to press, I DO applaud her. However, even if you do create a list of students for the faculty to do the unusual and applaud, you're still going to leave some out - some that were in the forefront. It' is bound to happen even with the best intentions Go ahead. If that is something the faculty want to do, single out a select few and applaud them, you're right, it is a free country and you can't BAN applause, not that I was suggesting that. I just think that it overlooks the hard and risky work of others. Sphere, posted on the other thread that he/she also didn't think this was the best way to protest Thames. I don't see it anymore but I hope Sphere will elaborate on what he/she said earlier. I just think that there must be a better way. Knock yourself out, applaud for whoever you want."

Nobody wants to belittle any student who has done the work to graduate, and I am kind of surprised that having faculty applaud certain high profile students is an insult to other students, but, since feelings will appparently be hurt please recommend another way for faculty to show their appreciation of students who have done so much publicly to safeguard integrity at this university. I'm waiting for your ideas - and please keep in mind that 99% of faculty want to recognize the great work of our students - so, tell us how to do it.

Date: May 8, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Angeline
"Nobody wants to belittle any student who has done the work to graduate, and I am kind of surprised that having faculty applaud certain high profile students is an insult to other students, but, since feelings will appparently be hurt please recommend another way for faculty to show their appreciation of students who have done so much publicly to safeguard integrity at this university. I'm waiting for your ideas - and please keep in mind that 99% of faculty want to recognize the great work of our students - so, tell us how to do it."

I had planned to applaud Rachel because she has earned her stripes -- but also because I think of her as a kind of representative figure for any student who stands up and then gets persecuted. I think the fact that she was targetted makes all the difference. If the faculty stood up for Glamser and Stringer I would not feel resentful at all -- they were acting for me in many ways. i think Rachel in her role acted for students even though she and the Printz got pressure to back off. It is her refusal to back off and to continue doing her job that is worth noting . . . . just an opinion.

Date: May 8, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: present professor
"I had planned to applaud Rachel because she has earned her stripes -- but also because I think of her as a kind of representative figure for any student who stands up and then gets persecuted. I think the fact that she was targetted makes all the difference. If the faculty stood up for Glamser and Stringer I would not feel resentful at all -- they were acting for me in many ways. i think Rachel in her role acted for students even though she and the Printz got pressure to back off. It is her refusal to back off and to continue doing her job that is worth noting . . . . just an opinion."

And a good one. Maybe the solution is to not compile a list and instead to only applaud Rachel - that way everyone else is left of any list while Rachel, as you note, did so much and so very publicly to stand up to the Administration's intimidation.

Date: May 8, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Angeline
"And a good one. Maybe the solution is to not compile a list and instead to only applaud Rachel - that way everyone else is left of any list while Rachel, as you note, did so much and so very publicly to stand up to the Administration's intimidation."

well, that would be my (one of ___) vote!

Date: May 8, 2004

I agree with Word. Some of us not known to the crowd have worked for years against the current administration. We have experienced the vindictiveness of not only the Wizard in the Dome, but many of the mewling monkeys in his departments.

We've fought the Dean of Students, Vice-President, and other minions of this perverse regime. Years ago, certain departments were numb to the abuse, but others fought for the cause without applause. We spoke in the Student Printz, and gave no relief to enemies in the SGA. We held office and had little attendance at meetings. Remember the battle for dignity for the release of our funds in Financial Aid? I was there...no university-wide protest. It just wasn't popular to rebel at that time for some people.

No student commentary was raised when Thames was told in a Tuesday LoveFest that residents of a group of apartments on campus were treated like second-class citizens. To my knowledge, no coffee confabs have been held about ongoing legal action.

If the student body and the dignity of the USM name is what we've fought for, then let's not turn our attention to another clique, but instead rise as one, applaud as one, and be acknowledged as ONE student body.

Date: May 8, 2004

POWER to ALL the PEOPLE

No Quarter!

Date: May 8, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Marley's Son
"I agree with Word. Some of us not known to the crowd have worked for years against the current administration. We have experienced the vindictiveness of not only the Wizard in the Dome, but many of the mewling monkeys in his departments. We've fought the Dean of Students, Vice-President, and other minions of this perverse regime. Years ago, certain departments were numb to the abuse, but others fought for the cause without applause. We spoke in the Student Printz, and gave no relief to enemies in the SGA. We held office and had little attendance at meetings. Remember the battle for dignity for the release of our funds in Financial Aid? I was there...no university-wide protest. It just wasn't popular to rebel at that time for some people. No student commentary was raised when Thames was told in a Tuesday LoveFest that residents of a group of apartments on campus were treated like second-class citizens. To my knowledge, no coffee confabs have been held about ongoing legal action. If the student body and the dignity of the USM name is what we've fought for, then let's not turn our attention to another clique, but instead rise as one, applaud as one, and be acknowledged as ONE student body."

Sometimes it is a fine thing to do your work anonymously. Lots of us have worked on behalf of this cause. Way too many to thank.

I'm not going to lobby except to say this one last thing. faculty members will do whatever they decide to do. The recognition I wish to direct to Rachel isn't because she fought for this cause. (technically she didn't. Although like any journalist with a heart she did come to realize exactly who the victim is in this controversy).

I would like to recognize her because I think she did her job well under exceptional circumstances and she put herself and the paper directly in harms way and did not back down. She and he Printz colleagues did not just speak truth to power -- they had to face that power directly, as people who were known and named and quite clearly deemed enemies. Something Glamser and Stringer did; Myron Henry did. None of the rest of us have had to face it like these folks have. Most of us have operated in the shadows and not in the open -- these people really took most of the risk. I honor them because they didn't (for different reasons) flinch.

I don't know how how I would react -- but I do know how they did.

Date: May 8, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: word
"I disagree. Clapping for certain students is NOT a good idea. There are MANY students who have worked behind the scenes and have donated to the defense fund and have helped in as many anon. ways as possible but you and others may never know their names!!! While there are certain students that are visible and cannot help to be, i.e., Rachel, there are many more that are not. To not clap for them as well during this special occasion when they also have accomplished a great deal and have worked their A** off to get their degrees, as well as support G&S, would be ... hurtful, embarressing, upsetting, and unfair. Believe it or not, there are some of us that even though we are graduating are STILL not able to come forward for whatever particular circumstances we are in. Believe me, I have personnally suffered at the clumsy hands of this administration and I have wanted them gone long before the G&S situation but I am NOT able to come forward, I AM graduating, and clapping for someone else whos circumstances are different and not for me would hurt me to my core. I have struggled and accomplished a lot in life and here -- please don't belittle me at my own graduation because you don't know who I am. !! Don't you understand?? I am a fighter! This is killing me that I can't make my voice heard. But I CAN't. (I live for this type of fight, the fight against injustice, oppression and tyranny!) To explain to you why would be outing myself. I'm sure that there are others in similar situations. Just try to imagine yourself in similar shoes. Imagine that you are siting between Rachel Q and another highly visible G&S student supporter. Rachel Q goes up to the stage- big applause from faculty, you go up - silence, next person goes up - big applause. Don't you always feel a bit sorry for those people when several are getting awards and one gets hoots and howls from the audience, then the next person doesn't have many or any friends or family in the audience and there are just a few random claps? I dunno, Maybe I'm just a sentimentalist, but I do. I try to clap harder for THOSE people to make the difference less obvious and less embarressing. "

These comments are in no way meant to belittle the contributions of those who have been behind the scenes donating money, writing letters, and offering many other forms of support in this fight. Many people have felt the need to remain in the background for many reasons. But I do take issue with Word’s earlier post. I don’t know if a list of names is needed or not, and I don’t know if the applause would be in protest, appreciation or both.

Word said that he/she has not spoken out because he/she CAN’T. I don’t know Word’s exact circumstances, but I am certain that many students and faculty members who have spoken out have done so at GREAT risk. There is a world of difference between “can’t” and “won’t” and I fear that you are confusing the two. If you don’t want to stand up and be counted, if you don’t want to stand up for what you say you believe in, if you’re a “fighter” yet choose to sit this one out, that’s your choice, but don’t whine about how hurt you’ll be if other people are recognized for doing what you choose not to do. If you want to be recognized, then do something to be recognized for.

You say that you are a fighter and that you live for this kind of fight, but I hope you understand when I say that your statements confused me a little. Fighters fight! They don’t just pay lip service to the idea of fighting while bemoaning the struggles of others. Living for something actually means that you, umm…well… live for it (i.e. walking the walk and talking the talk).

As individuals, we have choices in most situations. In many situations it may be true that the choice is between bad and worse, but it is a choice to make none the less. In this matter your priority is to maintain some personal status quo that you benefit from, rather than risk it by standing up for what you believe in. “CAN’T” has nothing to do with this matter but “WON’T” has everything to do with it. Ok, fine. That’s your choice and I respect it. But please don’t cry about others being recognized for their efforts.

When the previously mentioned students—Patricia Miller, Drew Walker, Dennis Conklin (if he is graduating)— walk across that stage, I will clap like a madman. I will do the same for others who have stood up in this fight and those who I know have been behind the scenes but have risked none the less. And for you… I never clap for an invisible man (or woman). How could I? I can’t even see you.

By the way, to avoid confusion, I am a student, not a faculty member.

Date: May 8, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Angeline
... and I am kind of surprised that having faculty applaud certain high profile students is an insult to other students, but, since feelings will appparently be hurt ..."

I do not consider it an insult to applaud them. I do consider it an insult not to applaud the rest of us -- I'm not saying that's why we work for this cause, it's not for recognition. It's just it would be a shame to leave those out who have worked equally as hard albeit behind the scenes and anonymously.

I for one have no problem applauding Rachel. As said by myself and others, she was targeted. That's the difference.

Date: May 8, 2004

Word, I'm with you.

Publius is an example of "the crowd." Does a missed appearance at Javawerks make us "invisible"? The "invisible men and women" aren't often seen by some Downtowners as we are busy dealing with the hell right on College Drive. Issues with course offerings, faculty hires that do not reflect a diverse student body, inequities in housing, and blatant "isms" still alive in the Deep South all require a shout of indignation, but only receive whispers from "The Invisible." Dissent didn't start in LAB, so to criticize an individual's right (we're not proposing "GroupSpeak" in this battle, I hope) to clap or not to should not have a d*** thing to do with his or her need for anonymity.

Or is it that only "red-blooded" American protestors need apply?

Stay Focused. DISASTER TO TYRANTS!

Date: May 8, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Marley's Son
"Stay Focused. DISASTER TO TYRANTS!"

Word and Marley's son, I am also with you on this one. We need to stay focused on getting Thames out of the dome. In the meantime, those of us who are graduating ALL deserve our time to shine. I did not ask for acknowledgement quite yet and I understand completely why you cannot come forward at this time.

Date: May 8, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: wary undergrad
"Word and Marley's son, I am also with you on this one. We need to stay focused on getting Thames out of the dome. In the meantime, those of us who are graduating ALL deserve our time to shine. I did not ask for acknowledgement quite yet and I understand completely why you cannot come forward at this time. "

At any rate -- good fortune to all. I'll applaud for each of you. Every role has been important.

Date: May 8, 2004

Fine. Clap for whoever you want and as much as you want. I'm not saying don't. I don't give a rats a** if noone makes a sound as I walk across the stage.

I just think that it is a bit short-sighted to make a list and have an orchestrated movement for the faculty to only applaud the few students who made the short list.

If the faculty want to make a statement then wear the "I support G & S" badge. Or have everyone carry or wear a certain flower, like a tansy which in the symbolic language of flowers means "I declare against you" or "I declare war against you." Or in Hobo symbology they drew a sign that was two circles, side by side and intertwined, that meant "keep moving". We could wear a symbol of our desire for change.

Symbols unify. I like the quarter but I understand how it might not make the impact we want to make especially if someone slides across the stage on a pile of quarters. Or maybe after the ceremony we should all link arms and sing songs of solidarity.

Date: May 8, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: word
"Fine. Clap for whoever you want and as much as you want. I'm not saying don't. I don't give a rats a** if noone makes a sound as I walk across the stage. I just think that it is a bit short-sighted to make a list and have an orchestrated movement for the faculty to only applaud the few students who made the short list. If the faculty want to make a statement then wear the "I support G & S" badge. Or have everyone carry or wear a certain flower, like a tansy which in the symbolic language of flowers means "I declare against you" or "I declare war against you." Or in Hobo symbology they drew a sign that was two circles, side by side and intertwined, that meant "keep moving". We could wear a symbol of our desire for change. Symbols unify. I like the quarter but I understand how it might not make the impact we want to make especially if someone slides across the stage on a pile of quarters. Or maybe after the ceremony we should all link arms and sing songs of solidarity."

You've made your point.

Date: May 8, 2004

RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: Graduation: What Faculty Can D

Date: May 8, 2004

RE: Graduation: What Faculty Can Do

Date: May 8, 2004

How about just wearing your tassle on the wrong side? Word would get out what it meant

Date: May 8, 2004

quote:

Originally posted by: word
"Fine. Clap for whoever you want and as much as you want. I'm not saying don't. I don't give a rats a** if noone makes a sound as I walk across the stage. I just think that it is a bit short-sighted to make a list and have an orchestrated movement for the faculty to only applaud the few students who made the short list.

OK, as I wrote above, let's abandon the list. Hell, let's abandon any concerted action and leave each to his own. However, when I stand up and cheer for certain people that I know about who have made courageous public stands on the way to doing the work necessary to graduate do not think about it one way or the other - it is simply my way to publicly acknowledge those who I feel deserve it - nothing more, nothing less. And, yes, faculty ought to be applauding a hell of lot more often for a whole host of reasons the students who they admire, helped along the way, etc.

Graduation is about recognizing all graduating students' accomplishments, which is why I initially (shortsightedly) wanted to compile a list (to include students that I don't already know about. But I see now why that was a dumb idea. I am not the enemy here.

Fire Shelby · Status: Offline

Angeline, if I am able to attend commencement, I will "individually" stand up with you to applaud those who have been at the forefront of the anti-Thames movement.

I do so individually, not as a part of any collective action.

FS

Date: May 8, 2004

I'm not from Hattiesburg, I think all of you know that by now.

I believe that everyone, faculty, students all of you should stand and appauld when Rachel Q goes across that stage to receive her sheepskin. It isn't that she requires that kind of respect, no she freaking well earned it!

I would also, if I were there, not appauld for Thames. I have read and gleaned much from this board and speaking to my many friends there, and he does not deserve respect, nor consideration in anything he does. He has attempted to destroy a fine university from within. Now it is time to destroy him.

Shelby, I hope you read this and realize that your action are known around this country and world. Is this really the type of publicity you wanted for the university? Probably not.

Date: May 8, 2004

I don't think that Thames has a clue as to how this situation is affecting the "public personna" of the university. As I have mentioned on other threads, I am a school-teacher. I teach primarily high school Juniors and Seniors. I am in a great position to influence what schools they investigate. In the past, I have highly recommended USM. Now, I have some great students (Egyptian, not American) who would benefit from USM - or what I knew as USM. At the beginning of the school year, I was encouraging students to go to the school's website and contact the university. Now I'm not. If the university is going to treat its own this way, how would students who are foreigners and have a different religion and a different first language be treated. There have been many instances in recent years of Muslims being treated unfairly. I would hate for that to happen to one of my kids when I encouraged them to look into a school. Again, my husband and I are in a position to truly help USM develop a world-wide reputation. And we just can't. If the "Dome Gnome" is going to destroy the learning environment of the campus, the open-mindedness of the campus, then I don't want ANY of my kids to attend. Hopefully once he is banished from Uncle Aubrey's house, I will be able to recommend USM with pride once more.

Date: May 8, 2004

Word,

If you are really honestly sincere in your anti-Thames sentiments you should not have your feelings hurt. I am a student not faculty. I would not have my feelings hurt if I was not clapped for because I am an anti-Thames fighter. Obviously people do not know who I am, and I have worked hard for the fight (not just chalking). If you are truly anti-Thames, you should be proud of yourself, and not need any recognition from others. We all realize that there are people fighting behind the scenes. Please drop the issue and let the professors clap for the people who have been forced into visiblity, so that everyone at graduation can see that these people are appreciated. Anyways they are really clapped for the cause not just the person walking across the stage. If you truly have fought for the cause, then you know that you are appreciated as much as the next anonymous fighter.

"United We Stand, Divided We Fall"

No Quarter

Date: May 9, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Night Chalker
"Word, If you are really honestly sincere in your anti-Thames sentiments you should not have your feelings hurt. I am a student not faculty. I would not have my feelings hurt if I was not clapped for because I am an anti-Thames fighter. Obviously people do not know who I am, and I have worked hard for the fight (not just chalking). If you are truly anti-Thames, you should be proud of yourself, and not need any recognition from others. We all realize that there are people fighting behind the scenes. Please drop the issue and let the professors clap for the people who have been forced into visiblity, so that everyone at graduation can see that these people are appreciated. Anyways they are really clapped for the cause not just the person walking across the stage. If you truly have fought for the cause, then you know that you are appreciated as much as the next anonymous fighter. "United We Stand, Divided We Fall" No Quarter "

Night Chalker, very eloquently said.

Fire Shelby · Status: Offline

quote:
Originally posted by: Night Chalker
"Word, If you are really honestly sincere in your anti-Thames sentiments you should not have your feelings hurt. I am a student not faculty. I would not have my feelings hurt if I was not clapped for because I am an anti-Thames fighter. Obviously people do not know who I am, and I have worked hard for the fight (not just chalking). If you are truly anti-Thames, you should be proud of yourself, and not need any recognition from others. We all realize that there are people fighting behind the scenes. Please drop the issue and let the professors clap for the people who have been forced into visiblity, so that everyone at graduation can see that these people are appreciated. Anyways they are really clapped for the cause not just the person walking across the stage. If you truly have fought for the cause, then you know that you are appreciated as much as the next anonymous fighter. "United We Stand, Divided We Fall" No Quarter "

Yes, the applause for the most visible anti-Thames fighters is applause for all. It is SYMBOLIC, and other students who have been less visible should understand that they share the applause for the most visible.

Night Chalker, when I applaud the four students mentioned in this thread, please know that my applause will be especially vigorous as I think of you!

Date: May 9, 2004

just my .02:

Having been one of those students "in the forefront", I can see both Publius' and Words' points. It has at times frustrated me to be the one sticking my neck out, when I have so much to lose, yet I know others who have had to remain silent for reasons I totally respect. I am not graduating yet, but I will be at the ceremny. I will clap for everyone that I know has worn a button or carried a sign, because we have stood up against so many people to fight for what we believe. I will also (silently) say congratulations to all who have been in the background (Night Chalker, if I knew who you were, you would be one of my loudest!) But I will not be insulted if this is not done for me at my graduation; in fact, I truly hope that a demonstration like this is not necessary by the time I finish my thesis. To everyone who has even thought anti-Thames statemnets, Thank You. To all of those who have been on the lines with me, Thank You. And to Rachel and all the others, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Date: May 9, 2004

I really wish I were graduating this semester. Anyhow, I will be there to cheer for the people I know fought for the cause, visibly or not. If Shelby is still here when I graduate, that would be a great time to "come out." Instead of a quarter I could hand him a few peices of sidewalk chalk.

Date: May 9, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Night Chalker
"I really wish I were graduating this semester. Anyhow, I will be there to cheer for the people I know fought for the cause, visibly or not. If Shelby is still here when I graduate, that would be a great time to "come out." Instead of a quarter I could hand him a few peices of sidewalk chalk. "

Dear Nightchalker, I am so relieved you are a student and not faculty. At least you can't be fired. But take care anyway.

Date: May 9, 2004

Setting aside the issue of whether/how to applaud for individual students:

As president of the Faculty Senate, Myron Henry will be on the platform. When he is introduced as part of the platform party, I intend to stand up and give him the ovation he deserves. I encourage faculty, students, and student supporters in the audience to do the same. Particularly given SFT's effort to make an end-run around the FS with the new "Advisory Council," our applause will be crucial. We are not only supporting Myron Henry, who has led the FS with incredible dignity and integrity, but also the FS itself.

Ellen Weinauer

Date: May 9, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Night Chalker
"I really wish I were graduating this semester. Anyhow, I will be there to cheer for the people I know fought for the cause, visibly or not. If Shelby is still here when I graduate, that would be a great time to "come out." Instead of a quarter I could hand him a few peices of sidewalk chalk. "

So many people are living life "on the edge" vicariously through you! Thanks for doing such daring things and being such an inspiration! A few years ago I would have been rabid (and it would have been somewhat safe) to join you, but it is terribly fun to watch at this point.

Date: May 9, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Ellen Weinauer
"Setting aside the issue of whether/how to applaud for individual students: As president of the Faculty Senate, Myron Henry will be on the platform. When he is introduced as part of the platform party, I intend to stand up and give him the ovation he deserves. I encourage faculty, students, and student supporters in the audience to do the same. Particularly given SFT's effort to make an end-run around the FS with the new "Advisory Council," our applause will be crucial. We are not only supporting Myron Henry, who has led the FS with incredible dignity and integrity, but also the FS itself. Ellen Weinauer"

Anyone with me on a "Myron for President" sign? sure would pi** of Shelboo!