Letter to the editor: Reevaluating definition of racism

I must take offense and exception to Duquesne University School of Education interim Dean Gretchen Generett’s comment on the reason for suspending Duquesne professor Gary Shank (“Duquesne professor placed on leave for using racial slur during lesson,” Sept. 11, TribLIVE), and Tribune-Review’s editorial for agreeing with her (“Duquesne prof’s slur use was wrong choice,” Sept. 15, TribLIVE). While the word he used is derogatory and should not be used, excusing artists, musicians and others because of their race is condescending and racist as well.

To permit one race to do something and prohibit another is the very definition or racism, whether it be verbiage or bathroom accommodations. We need to quit defining racism by the colors of our skin. The last I looked, we were all Americans and that is what the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was seeking to change — to unite us, not separate us. His was a voice for inclusion, as it should be. Not special privilege for one or the other. We degrade ourselves and his memory by continuing to do this under whatever pretext.

While the professor should face disciplinary charges, the dean and the Trib need to reevaluate their definitions of racism.

James Chrisner

Mt. Pleasant