Feeling aggrieved

I recently learned about a campaign on the Penn State campus aimed at encouraging students to report to university administrators any and all “microaggressions,” defined as “everyday verbal, nonverbal and environmental slights, snubs or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory or negative messages.”

First of all, the absurdity of such a “tattle tale” policy goes beyond my comprehension. Penn State students are young adults, not Romper Room preschoolers.

The unfortunate truth is that the world is full of hate, bias and unkindness. We all must learn how to deal with that. Can you imagine a young professional reporting to their superior that a co-worker said something that hurt their feelings? Really?

But since you asked for it, Dr. Barron, I have some microaggressions to report.

On July 12, 2012, Louis Freeh took the dais in Philadelphia and claimed that I was part of a corrupt culture that valued football over human decency. That same afternoon, Ken Frazier, Karen Peetz and Rodney Erickson confirmed Freeh’s finding. Since then, I, and others, have been subject to frequent name calling to include “Joebots,” “child rape enablers,” “cultists” and many, many others.

I also consider the move of “public expression” to a closed-door meeting as another form of microaggression toward alumni. Finally, Barron’s own comments to two alumni following a board meeting, suggesting that they were “ruining the university,” is offensive to me.

I look forward to a response to my complaint.

This story was originally published January 20, 2016 at 9:18 PM with the headline "Feeling aggrieved."