Duke U. statement doubles down after BYU investigation found alleged racial slur never happened
http://twitchy.com/dougp-3137/2022/09/09/duke-u-statement-doubles-down-after-byu-investigation-found-alleged-racial-slur-never-happened/
Earlier we told you that Brigham Young University released the results of their investigation into a Duke volleyball player’s claim that somebody in the crowd at a game shouted a racial slur. BYU’s findings? It didn’t happen:
From our extensive review, we have not found any evidence to corroborate the allegation that fans engaged in racial heckling or uttered racial slurs at the event. As we stated earlier, we would not tolerate any conduct that would make a student-athlete feel unsafe. That is the reason for our immediate response and our thorough investigation.
As a result of our investigation, we have lifted the ban on the fan who was identified as having uttered racial slurs during the match. We have not found any evidence that that individual engaged in such an activity. BYU sincerely apologizes to that fan for any hardship the ban has caused.
Our fight is against racism, not against any individual or any institution. Each person impacted has strong feelings and experiences, which we honor, and we encourage others to show similar civility and respect. We remain committed to rooting out racism wherever it is found. We hope we can all join together in that important fight.
And with that, Duke VP and Director of Athletics Nina King released her own statement on behalf of the university:
Duke Athletics (@DukeATHLETICS) ~ Statement from Duke University Vice President & Director of Athletics Nina King ...
http://goduke.com/news/2022/9/9/volleyball-statement-from-duke-university-vice-president-director-of-athletics-nina-king.aspx
The Duke statement isn’t very long:
The 18 members of the Duke University volleyball team are exceptionally strong women who represent themselves, their families, and Duke University with the utmost integrity. We unequivocally stand with and champion them, especially when their character is called into question. Duke Athletics believes in respect, equality and inclusiveness, and we do not tolerate hate and bias.
Does that sound like a “double down” to you?
Fusilli Spock (@awstar11) ~ Strangely no mention of the false accusation against BYU.
It’s almost as if somebody wanted to muddy the waters over what the actual point of all this is.
Mark Hemingway (@Heminator) ~ "We unequivocally stand with and champion them, especially when their character is called into question."
When you double down on evidence-free accusations of racism, that's a legitimate reason to question someone's character.
Mark Hemingway (@Heminator) ~ I mean, I believe it's very possible the players genuinely believed they heard something but BYU has been accommodating all along and Duke should at least acknowledge that there's like 99% certainty nothing was said.
Nathan Wurtzel (@NathanWurtzel) ~ Did any other Duke player say they heard something?
Mark Hemingway (@Heminator) ~ Ah good point. That makes it worse.
Walt (@AU_GS_Walt) ~ She still may have thought she heard something. But it's telling that literally NO ONE ELSE did.
DezNat Ws (@DeznatW) ~ The investigation interviewed the whole Duke team and found nothing.
The statement should have been so simple:
Ryan Pence (@pencerm) ~ This should just be an apology to BYU.
Obviously they did NOT want to go there.
Peaches ñ Memes (@NewYearsDani) ~ That's it?? BYU released a detailed report of their investigation and never questioned the character of any Duke player; and this is the best Duke can do in response? Shaking my head.
Julie H Wright (@juliew38138 ) ~ Y’all going to change the university’s name from Duke to Smollet?
Tired of Being Politically Correct (@AmericanVet1776) ~ Also known as, we will back "race hoaxes" because the truth causes us much embarrassment.
The essential American soul is hard, isolate, stoic, and a killer. It has never yet melted. ~ D.H. Lawrence
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