Banner days for college students
The banners have come down at the off-campus house near Lane and Indianola. Reading “Dads, we’ll take it from here” and “Daughter Daycare 2.0,” they were greeted with quite a mixed reception.
Many found the messages on the banners to be sexist and offensive. Some suggested that they promoted a violent culture that includes sexual assault. Many others said that the banners were harmless and funny. The male Ohio State students that posted them on the front of the house say that no offense was intended and that they were meant to be humorous.
Meanwhile, in Virginia last weekend, three banners were hung from the off-campus home of male students at Old Dominion University. These read “Rowdy and fun – hope your baby girl is ready for a good time,” “freshman daughter drop off” and “go ahead and drop mom off too.” The university’s leadership was not amused.
I said at my State of the University address that there is zero tolerance on this campus for sexual assault and sexual harassment. Any student found to have violated the code of conduct will be subject to disciplinary action.
– John R. Broderick, Old Dominion University President
The ODU students responsible for the banners (since taken down) are members of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Sigma Nu has suspended all activities associated with the Old Dominion chapter while it launches an investigation into the incident.
What do you think of the banners at Ohio State and Old Dominion? Is it an issue of crude, harmless fun? Or do they promote things like sexual assault and sexual harassment? (jj)
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
