Kirkpatrick, John

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An Update from the Dean of Students | UNH Todayhttps://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2017/09/update-dean-students[7/5/2022 11:43:41 AM]An Update from the Dean of StudentsThursday, September 21, 2017Dear Fellow Wildcats,Earlier this week I wrote to you about a video posted online thatshowed members of the Alpha Phi sorority singing a popular songthat uses the n-word. Not surprisingly, this video evoked strongreactions.I do not believe that it is appropriate for anyone to use the n-word.It is a derogatory term used historically to dehumanize anddemean African Americans. It is true that this word is pervasive incertain genres of film, television and music, having beenreclaimed by many in the African American community. This doesnot, in my view, legitimize its use by others. It is hurtful andhateful, even when that is not the intention, as in the singing ofpopular songs.I would emphasize that this is a matter of common decency, notlaw. My earlier message incorrectly implied that students would besubject to investigation or sanction for speech, which was not myintent. The University of New Hampshire remains fully committedto the First Amendment.At the same time, we encourage all members of our community toapproach one another with generosity, decency and good will —and to think about how one’s actions and words could affect othermembers of our community.SERIES: BUILD A BETTER UNH  SUBSCRIBETO THE UNHTODAYNEWSLETTER  SUBSCRIBETO UNH TODAYRSSUNH TODAY  An Update from the Dean of Students | UNH Todayhttps://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2017/09/update-dean-students[7/5/2022 11:43:41 AM]The sisters of Alpha Phi have written a sincere letter ofapology and will play an active role in working to improve ourcampus culture. I ask everyone to join our efforts to make allmembers of the university community feel welcome and respectedas they pursue their education on campus.Please accept my thanks for everything that you can do to help. —John T. KirkpatrickDean of Students BUILD A BETTER UNHRELATED ARTICLESAn Update from the Dean of Students | UNH Todayhttps://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2017/09/update-dean-students[7/5/2022 11:43:41 AM]July 7, 2020 |  PAUL PERSPECTIVESThe Ethics of Tax PracticeAn Update from the Dean of Students | UNH Todayhttps://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2017/09/update-dean-students[7/5/2022 11:43:41 AM]August 28, 2020 |  PETER T. PAUL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & ECONOMICSNew Paul College Associate Dean ForUndergraduate Education NamedAn Update from the Dean of Students | UNH Todayhttps://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2017/09/update-dean-students[7/5/2022 11:43:41 AM]September 3, 2020 |  PAUL PERSPECTIVESOptimizing Capacity for DemandUNH Today is produced for the UNH communityand for friends of UNH.The stories are written by the staff of UNHCommunications and Public Affairs.Email us: unhtoday.editor@unh.edu.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION      CONTACTUS          UNH Today  •  UNH Main Directory: 603-862-1234Copyright © 2022  •  TTY Users: 7-1-1 or 800-735-2964 (Relay NH)USNH Privacy Policies  •  USNH Terms of Use  • ADA AcknowledgementAn Update from the Dean of Students | UNH Todayhttps://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2017/09/update-dean-students[7/5/2022 11:43:41 AM] 

An Update from the Dean of Students

https://scholars.unh.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5471&context=unh_today

An Update from the Dean of Students

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