Binghamton apologizes for '#StopWhitePeople2K16' event

After initially defending an RA training titled “#StopWhitePeople2K16,” Binghamton University’s Vice President for Student Affairs, Brian Rose, sought to “provide additional perspective” in a letter to students.

“For those who were familiar with the hashtag used in the title, it was understood not to be literal,” writes Rose, reaffirming what he stated in his previous message to the public. “Nonetheless, the program should not have been so titled. Out of context, it is offensive and alarming. That was not the intent.”

Rose’s first statement said he had “no indication that this particular program was inconsistent with the respectful environment we hope to support and sustain,” adding that the hashtag is “commonly used ironically.”

[RELATED: Binghamton defends ‘#StopWhitePeople2K16’ event for RA’s]

Over the past several days, Binghamton University has been under heavy scrutiny for the event’s title, and the backlash has reportedly even extended to the three Residential Assistants who hosted the event.

“The facilitators of the program have been personally targeted with threatening, racist, and highly vitriolic messages. That is reprehensible and condemnable,” said Rose.

The training’s description said it aimed to “take the next step in understanding diversity, privilege, and the society we function within.”

“Above all, I ask each of you to consider the purpose and impact of your response to this story and let this be a teachable moment for us all.”

This article was originally published in Binghamton Review, a conservative student newspaper affiliated with the Leadership Institute's Campus Leadership Program. Its articles are republished here with permission.

Follow Binghamton Review on Twitter: @bingreview