File this under, “What Where they Thinking?”
In a Mr. NDSU skit performed on March 18th, four North Dakota State University students stepped over the line. Actually, they trampled the line. One student portrayed Senator Obama in blackface and with afro wig while another gave the first student a lap dance, in the background “two male students dressed as cowboys simulated anal sex while holding an Obama sign that one student ripped at the conclusion of the 30-second performance.”
Wow.
Just in case you are wondering how NDSU is responding to this situation, their dean of students is quoted in the article as saying, ““We’re trying to find out the right approaches for accountability, but at the same time try to heal wounds that have occurred and allow the campus to move ahead.” The article classifies the situation as an investigation of complaints, not an investigation of the behavior of the students. And a suggested timeline for this approach, you ask? The dean anticipates the investigation will take until May 9th, which happens to coincide with the end of the school year.
Wow.
It took me quite a bit less time than a month and a half to determine that NDSU has to make some tough decisions, needs to update its crisis plan and crisis responses and review its student conduct policies and procedures. To quote my co-worker, Meredith Simpson, “You need a crisis plan for your campus not only in case people are on your campus with guns, but also because sometimes college kids just have zero common sense.”