Dear Badger Herald Staff:

This letter is in response to the photo that was published on the front page of the Badger Herald today in conjunction with the story title “Student groped on Langdon.” I personally feel that the photo of the student with enlarged hands makes light of and pokes fun at a serious issue that deserves humorless attention.

This photo choice is distasteful and disrespectful to our students, both current and incoming, who have been victims of a sexual assault.

As an independent newspaper that receives no funding support from the university, I do not have the authority to do anything more than express my personal opinion about this decision, also recognizing that the First Amendment guarantees the right to print photos such as these. However, while I support the free exchange of ideas, this photo was unfunny and simply offensive. The severity of sexual assaults on campus should not be ignored and should never be downplayed. Individuals who experience traumatic incidents, such as the one that occurred last week, are left violated and isolated. While the article that was written provides important and critical information, I am disappointed with the way the Herald chose to advertise this story on the front page.

As Dean of Students at UW-Madison, encouraging respect, integrity and support for one another is a top priority for me. You have heard from me before that I understand the right to free speech, however, with that freedom comes responsibility. I feel that the choice to publish a comical photo of a young man with large hands to discuss a sexual assault was completely inappropriate and immature. I hope in the future that you will consider the severity of issues being discussed and address them with the respect and integrity that they deserve.

Sincerely,

Lori M. Berquam

Dean of Students