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11/21/2002 Archived Entry: ""

Last night I posted an entry regarding the death of one of my peers from the summer program. In thinking that the post would be of interest, if not soothing to others, I forwarded a copy to the group. Attached was a question asking for a consensus on whether or not it would be "a good idea to send a copy or altered version to the Skidmore News "letter to the editor". No harm in that, right? I also forwarded a copy to the office, hoping to eliminate any surprises if published. Eagerly awaiting replies, I got the go ahead by members of our peer group. This would be a good way of clearing the air in the midst of the tension. Or so I thought, at least until this morning. I opened my campus inbox to find a one line response from the office-in-charge urging me to get in touch with them...

ASAP.

Our brief discussion turned out to be one of the tersest conversations I have ever had. Not only would offering the farewell clip to the newspaper run the risk of providing bad P.R, but it would also circulate the wrong message. In labeling Karl a "martyr", the blurb inaccurately portrays his tragedy. Contrary to the Newsday article, Karl was not protecting or saving the life of another person. His life ended in a physical confrontation OVER the girl. Clearly I was under the impression of the opposite while writing. Additionally the pretense of the email was originally intended to be a personal journal entry. However, I thought it would be of interests to others. While this is still the case, I have no intention of exploiting it throughout the Skidmore community under the aim to provoke further hurt and/or injury to anyone else.

Side note: At this point, my point of view changes, because again I will have to send this in email format to address the issues at hand.

Yesterday's news equals today's controversy; the possibility of Karl’s death becoming a cover story is too big of a risk. In essence, I imagine it would be like adding salt to an already sore wound. So to excuse any and all the confusion this may have well caused, it has been suggested that in place of Study Skills on Friday, I contact the chaplain i(f anyone desires) to have a service in memory of Mr. Mann. Not to further belabor the point, yet it would be an open event (so to avoid the pressure of it seeming to be mandatory attendance). However, the vigil on the platform after Study Skills is still withstanding.

Again, apologies for the confusion.

See you on the platform later Friday evening. We'll have to agree on a time. Don't forget to wear your white tee-shirts. If we’re lucky perhaps the tooth fair will loan us some money so candles will be provided. Do you think she accepts lay-a-way plans? Just kidding. ; p