Speech addresses campus issues

By Rachel Schwartz

Challenges to "inclusive excellence" were the major issues addressed during Tuesday's State of the University speech, but some staff and students were left dissapointed by University President Paul Locatelli's, S.J., comments regarding a recent off-campus theme party.

Students, faculty and staff, including over 250 people who marched against racism from Benson Memorial Center to the Mission Church, gathered to hear Locatelli's annual address.

Many in attendance wore orange armbands or ribbons as a sign of solidarity in response to the recent party.

Locatelli shared his hopes of educating the whole person and being a community of "inclusive excellence," but focused on the challenges involved in attaining this goal -- especially racism.

However, some remained dissatisfied about the official response to the parties in the speech.

"Although he mentioned it, the context of how he addressed it -- I think there could have been more to say in order to get at the bigger issue of what the theme party was and how it impacts our community," said Bernice Aguas, director of the Multicultural Center. "It was more than just that one party, it's that reinforcing these stereotypes is an example of racism."

"I was absolutely appalled," said Deanna Sainten, a graduate student and resident director in McLaughlin and Walsh. "He showed no compassion to the students who were offended by this party, and he justified and validated the students who participated in the party by having them stand up and be applauded."

Locatelli called for applause for the achievements of several sports teams during the speech.

The theme parties had come to the university's attention by pictures being posted on the Internet, and Locatelli warned students of the dangers of revealing too much about one's self on the Internet because of the inaccurate image it might portray to others.

While Locatelli believes that students who planned and attended the party in question did not intend the theme to be offensive, he said that mistakes have been made and the Santa Clara community should move forward and look to how it can learn from the experience.

"We are dedicated to being a community enriched by women and men of diverse backgrounds -- respectful of differences and enlightened by open dialogue, caring and justice toward others, and committed to broad participation to achieve the common good," Locatelli said.

Locatelli continued to stress that tolerance and respect should be encouraged in social as well as educational settings.

"Recent events remind us that we are not perfect and that we need to be vigilant to create and maintain an environment that will foster a community of inclusive excellence," Locatelli said.

Potential employers have the ability to view Web sites like MySpace, Facebook or YouTube and may choose not to interview or hire students because of the image they present, Locatelli said. He also mentioned that advertising parties on the Internet can also draw non-affiliates into the Santa Clara community.

Locatelli and Associated Students President Jennifer Moody addressed the issue of an increase in students' high-risk drinking. Both shared their concern about the increase in hospitalizations and fights related to excessive alcohol consumption.

"Administration, faculty and staff have done an excellent job at recognizing that Santa Clara college students do engage in these activities; it's our job as students to engage in a healthy way," Moody said in her speech.

Moody made no mention of the theme party.

While mentioning that policies at the Bronco were currently under review, Locatelli assured students that he had no intention of banning alcohol use on campus.

"I can't imagine a college campus being dry," he said.

AS is working on a new campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and how to respond in alcohol-related emergencies, Moody said.

Locatelli also took time to commend the university accomplishments within the past year. The seven-year fundraising campaign raised $404 million, including over $100 million for scholarships. Three new endowed professorships were created through funds generated by the campaign.

Locatelli and Moody also commended the accomplished career of retiring basketball head coach Dick Davey.

"Dick has used his time, energy and vast talent to foster an exceptional basketball program and legacy," Locatelli said.

Davey received a standing ovation from the audience during Moody's address.

Contact Rachel Schwartz at (408) 554-4546 or rschwartz@scu.edu.