A Follow-Up.
Here is John's apology that he asked me to post for everyone in the group after he read it at the 'town meeting' at noon in the Student Center. These are John's words to everyone.
Last week I wrote an article that deeply upset a great number of people. Although that was not my intention, that is what happened, and I have come here before you today to address this issue.
Anyone who knows me will attest to the fact that I do not endorse, support, or condone rape. That aside, I chose to satirize rape in order to illustrate that no one pays attention to news unless it is sensational. The widespread news coverage of the article and the presence of the media here today have clearly validated that point.
Unfortunately, I have deeply hurt a lot of people in the process. Again, it was not my intention to do so, but I have reopened many wounds and caused a great deal of pain and suffering for many innocent women and men. I have forced families and friends of rape victims, as well as the victims themselves, to remember tragic events that they would much rather forget. Women across campus have broken out in tears the past few days, and I feel awful for my part in causing that to happen.
I take no joy or satisfaction in hurting other human beings. To the people I have hurt, I apologize sincerely and hope that my insensitive article has not caused anyone irreparable harm. In an attempt to show my sincere condemnation for rape or violence against any person, I will be participating in “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes”, a march against rape, sexual assault, and gender violence.
In spite of the pain this has caused so many people, and though I deeply regret writing it because of the intense hurt it has caused, I must continue to support Mark Rowan and his decisions to publish or not to publish controversial articles. I base this support on the First Amendment Right of Freedom of Speech. I highly value Freedom of Speech as a fundamental right that all people across the world should have, and I admire Mark’s courage in making these decisions.
A significant lesson I have learned from this experience, however, is that although Freedom of Speech is an important right that all Americans have, it is imperative that we, as human beings, use great discretion in how we choose to exercise that right so as to not needlessly hurt innocent people.
In my writings, I have failed to use this discretion, and as a result, I have caused a great deal of pain. I am truly sorry to anyone I may have hurt. Thank you.
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I would like to add a few words I said prior to reading my prepared statement. I do not know the exact words, although perhaps the media will cover them.
Essentially, I am aware that women on campus at CCSU have broken into tears, and, in some cases, even spoke of feeling suicidal. I feel terrible for this. It is not right to make girls cry and I certainly do not want anymore harm to ever come to anyone as a result of this article. I am concerned for the well-being of these women, and I hope they take care of themselves, and that everyone will take care of each other.
I would like to say that I regret that each speaker at the meeting was only allotted two or three minutes. I had requested that they be allowed to speak for as long as they needed, and though I realize that was just not possible today at that meeting, I am willing and hoping to speak with any person who would like to speak to me for as long as they need. I will certainly make the time for them. This goes for each and every person that I have offended or hurt, regardless of if they were at the meeting today.
Thank you for allowing me to publish this here.
John P. Petroski