College Officials, Faculty Respond to Commentary

A recent edition of the Saddleback College student newspaper, the Lariat, has sparked considerable controversy both on campus and in the community.

The college deplores the depiction of the menorah as well as the reference to the Holocaust and the religious heritage of the Jewish people that were part of the Lariat’s editorial cartoon and accompanying editorial commentary. The college fully supports the author’s right to make a political statement, but does not condone the use of religious symbolism to do so. I know that no malice or disrespect of Judaism or the Jewish people was intended.

I want to extend the deepest and most sincere apology to members of the community as well as the college staff and student body who were understandably offended by this editorial cartoon and commentary.

It is important to note that college and university student newspapers are included in the First Amendment privileges of the press. Respecting and protecting the right of free speech are also important values at Saddleback College. Thus, while taking steps to assuage the community’s understandable concerns, it is important for the college to ensure that the students learn a constructive lesson from this incident.

Because of the Lariat’s willingness to test itself against controversial topics, an occasional mistake will inevitably be made, which is part of the student’s learning process. Because of this, Saddleback College will continue to lend its full support to the Lariat.

Saddleback College will now turn its attention to the future, with a renewed sensitivity to both the enormous benefits and the problems inherent in preparing students for participation in a democratic society.

CONSTANCE M. CARROLL

President, Saddleback College

Mission Viejo