I would like to begin by again apologizing for my actions on Sept. 1. I have no interest in defending those actions, as I understand that my words were harmful to the Ohio University community and ultimately to the culture as a whole.
Instead, I would like to comment on what I have observed from seeing and hearing the complaints lodged against me. It appears that one argument seems to be central to each complaint, that being that both Student Senate and myself have been inactive on the subject since Sept. 1.
This is simply not true. Since the offensive tweet went out, Student Senate and myself have been very active in addressing my actions and educating ourselves to ensure that the actions are not repeated.
For example, we held an internal discussion panel on the sexism embedded in our culture, participated in multiple SafeZone trainings, and I have had personal one-on-one meetings with female leaders on campus to talk about how we can learn from and grow from my mistake, both as a senate and as an entire campus community.
To be clear, I am by no means attempting to say that these actions make up for my distasteful tweet. I am saying that I believe the activity within Senate that resulted from my tweet is a good start for Student Senate, and that from here Student Senate and I can continue to grow.
I have admitted and I will openly admit again that my action came from a state of ignorance. Since then, I have actively sought and will continue to seek education to learn more about rape culture in order to grow from this experience.
As I understand it, a main goal of the anti-rape culture movement on this campus is to educate people who are ignorant on the topic. It has been said that I should be made an example in order to show that there is a real shift taking place on this campus in terms of better understanding rape culture and how it is so embedded in our daily lives that we sometimes do not even realize its existence.
I could not agree more with this statement. I would appreciate nothing more than to stand as an example of a student who has been made aware of his ignorance, learned the error of his ways, and who now stands as a proud ally to the anti-rape culture cause.
Furthermore, in my apology delivered at the Sept. 4 general body meeting I welcomed students to offer suggestions as to what I can do as a person and a leader, as well as what Student Senate can do, to not only correct my actions, but to also ensure that the community understands how my actions were wrong and how they are to be amended. This is an offer that still stands, and will continue to stand.
I will take what I have learned over the past few weeks and lead Senate in a more conscious way, continuing to confront this campus’ rape culture in whatever ways I can. I remain dedicated to the student body, and am positive that the knowledge I have been able to take away from this experience already can help me to better lead and serve the OU community.
In light of the recent events that took place during Homecoming weekend, I feel that it is more important now than ever that I use this knowledge to serve students to the best of my ability.
Once again, I welcome and encourage your suggestions as I continue serving you as Student Senate President.
Nick Southall is a senior studying integrated language arts and serves as Student Senate President.
