Obie Laments Death of Outrage

To the Editor:

In my four years at Oberlin I’ve read countless letters which expressed the outrage and frustration of students on this campus concerning innumerable issues.
It was the absence of any such letter regarding the assault on a student by his peers which prompted this response. I am astonished. Earlier this semester an article by [Athletic Director Mike] Muska prompted a meeting and many public expressions of anger and outrage regarding his comments. I am not concerned with the appropriateness of the article or its corresponding “critique.” But I would think that on a campus where a clumsy analogy upsets and offends so many, that a violent assault might just warrant some response as well.
I shall assume that the accused are innocent. Nevertheless, this was a premeditated attack by all accounts, and one which was perpetrated by students. In years past attacks on students have prompted vigils and speak-outs and have led to direct responses from the administration. Concern for personal safety rises following such reports –– usually. Why has this attack generated none of the concern and compassion which others have so readily produced? Is it because the victim is a male? Maybe. Doubtful.
We read criticism of articles, cartoons and other editorials. But no one wrote about a member of our community being attacked because of something he wrote. Where is the outrage? Where are the letters, where are the meetings?
It seems that it is much easier to be offended by articles and editorials and respond with letters, than to be offended by the violent and illegal actions of our peers. This was a targeted, premeditated act by a member or members of the Oberlin community against an individual because of his words. Maybe some feel safe knowing that they will never publicly insult the football team or other students. The outrage generated by words on this campus is amazing, the lack of outrage generated by an attack on this campus is offensive.

–Aaron Leavy
College senior