Hope for Positive Change

April 13, 2007

Members of the Rutgers Community:

Last night the members and coaches of the Scarlet Knights women's basketball team met privately with Don Imus to discuss his recent remarks. To his credit, Mr. Imus apologized directly and sincerely to Coach C. Vivian Stringer, the team, and their family members. Our student-athletes conducted themselves with dignity and grace while expressing the pain his words caused them. The words and their impact can never be erased, but the meeting was an important first step in the healing process.

Today, Coach Stringer and the team accepted Mr. Imus' apology. Although they still find the statements he made to be unacceptable, they hope this unfortunate episode will ultimately serve as a catalyst for positive change. Coach Stringer's statement can be read at http://scarletknights.com/news/release.asp?prID=5250.

The events of the past week serve as a reminder that racism and sexism still exist in our society, despite the many gains of recent years. They also remind us that education and civil discourse are the essential foundations of progress. In your strong support for these 10 remarkable young women, you have demonstrated a clear commitment to those core goals and values, and you have our deepest thanks.

Our women's basketball team and their coach showed the world what is possible when you have self-respect and respect for others, engage in intelligent dialogue, and focus on the greater good rather than on individual needs. Their actions on the basketball court, in the classroom, and especially during the public and private events of the past week are an ongoing source of pride and inspiration for the entire Rutgers community.

Coach Stringer expressed her hope today that the Rutgers women's basketball team can put this matter behind them and return to their studies. We share her hope and wish to express again our enormous pride in her and every member of the Rutgers team.

Richard L. McCormick
President
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey