Cross-ing the line
UW-La Crosse officials justified in response to Sept. 11 memorial
Spectator Staff
Issue date: 9/22/08 Section: Editorial/Opinion
Generally a memorial to the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks would not be objectable.
But according to a Sept. 17 La Crosse Tribune article, College Republicans and UW-La Crosse officials are at odds over a 3,000 American flag memorial in which some flags were arranged in the shape of a cross.
The officials suggested the group change a portion of the display that formed the shape of a cross to better reflect that people from all walks of life and religious affiliations, not just Christians, died that day. The suggestion came after officials began hearing complaints that it was offending some on campus.
This is another case of political correctness gone overboard. Although the shape of the arrangement was questionable, there are times to fight for things and times to overlook political correctness. The College Republicans were not intentionally attempting to offend or recruit individuals to join their group or join Christianity. The situation would be no different had the shape been related to another religion, as the flags were meant to be more of a symbol than their shape was.
However, the College Republicans should, in the future, consider not putting the flags in the shape of a cross. Although their intent is not to discriminate against non-Christian religions, keeping the shape would do just that. Choosing to ignore the complaints of individuals would be a poor decision on the part of the organization. They are constantly being observed and judged based upon the decisions they make, and ignoring this year's complaints by keeping the shape for next year would send a very negative message.
Hopefully the organization chooses to do the right thing in changing the shape so that all walks of life feel included in the matter. Sept. 11 was something we all suffered together and no individual should feel left out of the remembrance of the attacks.
But according to a Sept. 17 La Crosse Tribune article, College Republicans and UW-La Crosse officials are at odds over a 3,000 American flag memorial in which some flags were arranged in the shape of a cross.
The officials suggested the group change a portion of the display that formed the shape of a cross to better reflect that people from all walks of life and religious affiliations, not just Christians, died that day. The suggestion came after officials began hearing complaints that it was offending some on campus.
This is another case of political correctness gone overboard. Although the shape of the arrangement was questionable, there are times to fight for things and times to overlook political correctness. The College Republicans were not intentionally attempting to offend or recruit individuals to join their group or join Christianity. The situation would be no different had the shape been related to another religion, as the flags were meant to be more of a symbol than their shape was.
However, the College Republicans should, in the future, consider not putting the flags in the shape of a cross. Although their intent is not to discriminate against non-Christian religions, keeping the shape would do just that. Choosing to ignore the complaints of individuals would be a poor decision on the part of the organization. They are constantly being observed and judged based upon the decisions they make, and ignoring this year's complaints by keeping the shape for next year would send a very negative message.
Hopefully the organization chooses to do the right thing in changing the shape so that all walks of life feel included in the matter. Sept. 11 was something we all suffered together and no individual should feel left out of the remembrance of the attacks.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Ray
posted 9/22/08 @ 7:14 AM CST
Are you kidding me?! Even as a Democratic atheist I think the CRs have the right to do whatever they want for their memorial!
Would I rather not see a cross where I go? Sure. (Continued…)
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