Seminary Response to Malicious and Racist Newsletter

On Thursday, November 20, 2008, a satirical newsletter entitled “The Foreskin” was distributed on the campus of Princeton Theological Seminary. This document contained material which was racist, deeply insulting, harmful to the community as a whole, and targeted a number of individual members of the community.

The president immediately issued a statement expressing his disgust and his sorrow at the hurt done to the entire community. He invited those who produced “The Foreskin” to identify themselves and to see him the next morning.

Two students did come forward and expressed their regrets. They were asked by the president to apologize to the community as a whole and to the individuals who were targeted. They were told that a further penalty would be determined in due course. The possible involvement of other students is being investigated.

Student disciplinary matters are under the authority of the dean of student life. The president is in the process of appointing a committee to initiate a process of listening, healing and learning for the community as a whole. The committee will be comprised of administrators, students and faculty.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008
4:50pm