Don’t Leap to Judgement Quickly

To the Editor:

As a member of the Oberlin College community, I have been troubled by events that have transpired over the past few weeks. I have heard numerous rumors, stories and opinions about the incident that occurred in Barnard, and I would like to ask those people who are quickly spreading this gossip to stop and think about the “facts” that they are repeating. Most of the information that people have regarding this case isn’t true. I have followed the information regarding this incident very closely and hope that other members of the College community will try to find these facts before making judgments on those involved.

I realize that the students who were involved in the Barnard incident made a mistake. They realize they made a mistake. They should be judged appropriately. However, what seems to be happening is that perceptions have overwhelmed reason in dealing with the incident. I don’t know if it is shock at the occurrence, the demands for retribution from a victim who apparently suffered no injuries, or maybe some hasty generalization about football players, but we went from presumption of innocence to imposition of the (academic) death penalty with hardly a blink.
If there is one place in America where the rights of the individual are cherished; where the fundamental concept that a person should be judged fairly rather than be victimized by an institution bowing to hysterical political pressure; where size and power do not necessarily make right, it is here in Oberlin. Yet, the rush to judge these students and the Star Chamber proceeding employed denied basic due process and creates the impression that the decision was predetermined. From beginning to end, this incident has not done Oberlin proud.
I feel that expulsion is too harsh of a judgment to pass on these students. The actions that actually transpired that night hardly justify devastating the rest of their lives. As a fellow student at Oberlin, I know the value of education and the promise of a successful future is in store for all of us. However, due to a bad lapse of judgment, this may not be true for my fellow senior class members. I ask that those who will ultimately decide their fate to look at the entire picture.

–Molly Ryan
College senior