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At Rutgers, We Want Imus' Resignation

By Jessica Durando
Black College Wire

Jessica Durando

First it was Michael Richards, then Ann Coulter, then Gen. Peter Pace, and now Don Imus.

Richards, the stand-up comedian, used a racial slur, Coulter, the conservative commentator, used a derogatory term for gays in connection with former senator John Edwards. Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, tried to play down his statement that "I believe homosexual acts between two individuals are immoral and that we should not condone immoral acts."

Another apology, another suspension. What else is new?

Don Imus made severely damaging comments against women and women of color. He also attacked the pride of the Scarlet Knights basketball team, Rutgers University as an institution of higher learning and every student on campus.

He does not deserve a two-week suspension from CBS Radio and MSNBC; instead, he deserves to be removed from his syndicated radio show, which goes out over more than 70 stations.

As a student at Rutgers University, I feel deeply saddened that swifter action has not been taken by the networks to fire Imus.

And I do not believe the Rutgers community is asking for his apology; I believe we are asking for his resignation.

Walking through downtown New Brunswick, N.J., during this past basketball season, I saw the sense of Rutgers pride toward these outstanding women. With banners donning the words "Scarlet Knights City," it seems that through sports, Rutgers has infiltrated the outer community.

I followed the games where Coach C. Vivian Stringer brought a team from having next to no shot to competing in the Final Four.

And Imus dared to take that away from them — by making ludicrous comments, which inflicted hurt and pain on a Cinderella-story team.

The networks' reaction and Imus' seeking an in-person apology conveys our society's attitude toward bigotry. It is a tell-tale sign of where our country stands on offending innocent, successful individuals with sexist, racist remarks.

Another slap on the wrist, another suspension. What else is new?

Better yet, when will it change?

Jessica Durando, a Rutgers University student, is the editor-in-chief of the Daily Targum. She is an editorial intern at DiversityInc, for whom this was originally written. © DiversityInc 2007. Articles in the Voices section represent the views of their authors, and not necessarily those of Black College Wire. To comment, e-mail [email protected].

Posted April 11, 2007