Facebook page against what TRU stand for

FRIDAY MORNING EDITORIAL — The really sad thing about this week’s revelations about a Facebook page called TRU Confessions 2014 is that its content goes totally against everything the university is about.

The page hit the news for a number of racist and sexist comments that don’t bear repeating. After some students complained to TRU administration, which in turn issued a warning to the anonymous host, the offensive material was removed and a clean slate established.

Just kids having a bit of innocent fun? That’s what one student said yesterday on the site, commenting that “some people are over-sensitive.”

Well, when an ethnic group is insulted as individuals, and when their culture is insulted with stereotypical putdowns, that’s not being over-sensitive, it’s being justifiable offended.

A few weeks ago, students were warned against participating in an extreme online drinking game called Neknomination. That was about personal safety.

This thing with the Facebook page is much worse. TRU fosters an attitude of acceptance and openness. It proudly supports what has become a gay pride event. Just last week it held its annual International Days in which students from nations around the world entertained and educated the entire community.

The benefit to the community of such diversity is measurable in dollars but it’s equally important for the way in which it expands our understanding and our feeling of completeness.

Certainly, we shouldn’t go too far with generalizations based on the poor example set by some — the vast majority of TRU students no doubt condemn racism and sexism.

But the actions and words of the minority are a stain nonetheless.