Should This Student Have Been Expelled?

After reading the article, it required reflection. This essay really touch home for all of us. The comments of Doug Hann were very offensive to Black people, Jews and homosexuals. He must have been exposed to and taught racism, anti-Semitic and Homophobic insults. This had to be the topic of discussion in his home environment. What a pitiful situation!

Mr. Gregorian, president of Brown University, may have overstepped what he originally felt the punishment should be when students simple can't cope with reality. Expulsion should have signified that the student must reevaluate his position he took and have his parents reflect on his behavior. The comment "my parents own your people" is a direct result of his upbringing. Doug Hann should have been willing to change his outlook and behavior. How can anyone accept the blame of deeply inbedded hate on alchol? This was not his first time getting drunk and making offensive comments. It was an excuse to act out what has been internalized and an expectation for others to overlook his unpleasant behavior and outburst regardless of the cause. The old saying,"a drunk heart speaks a sober mind." certainly applies in this sitution." Doug Hann did not hurt anyone because friends held him back, but what if they hadn't?

Nat Hentoff developed his argument in this essay very well. After reading the article, it required reflection. This essay really touched home. Drunk drivers are incarcerated because of their behavior and choices. On the other hand, was expulsion to harsh? Would it have been better to assign an activity that would have provided an opportunity to change the heart, mind and perspective of Doug Mann?  The comments were wrong and punishment of some sort was warranted; however, do we have the right in this country to speak our minds or not?  What may appear as 'hate' for one group can be acceptable to another.  It has been said over and over again--This subject requires candid dialogue that just has not happened at any level.