Jewish students on campus are up in arms after an editor’s note in the Gargoyle referred to a contributor as a “stupid, greedy Jew.”
The issue, which was pulled off stands by editors and members of Hillel within an hour of release, also featured a comic depicting violent rape scenes.
The Gargoyle, a campus newspaper from University College, has long been known for its tongue-in-cheek attitude, but all parties involved agree the paper went too far this time.
In a letter delivered to the Varsity, representatives of the paper noted that “There is no excuse for the careless and offensive comments published in our November 21st issue,” and that “the comment was absolutely not intended to be hateful towards the author, or the larger Jewish community.” The editor’s note came in response to an accusation from writer Josh Leiblin that a comic in a previous issue had been anti-Semitic.
UC Principal Paul Perron said he is “distressed and distraught” about the incident, and noted that an investigation is already underway. He also stated that the Gargoyle “have been very pro-active” in dealing with the fallout of the controversy, and that a publishing timetable for future issues would be determined by the paper, not by him.
The Gargoyle plans to hold a series of forums to determine future editorial policies, but for Hillel, that and the apology may not be enough. “It doesn’t change anything for me,” said Johanna Herman, public relations coordinator for Hillel. “We could have pursued this with the police.” In the meantime, Herman will settle for the university’s investigation findings, specifically whether the university’s code of conduct was violated. Herman said she has spoken Josh Leiblin, the writer of the article who was the target of the comment. Leiblin had been off-campus, and had no idea any controversy had occurred. “He was floored,” said Herman. “His family was completely hurt.”
The incident has also affected staffers of the Gargoyle, many of whom are also Jewish.
“A lot of editors were unaware of what was happening,” said Charles Trapunski, an editor at the paper. “It’s very difficult for us who weren’t around when this was written. Half our staff is Jewish, including myself.” Trapunski said the gaffe was “monumentally stupid,” and though the paper is known to be tongue-in-cheek, “this went way, way over the line.”
The incident was also officially condemned by the UC Literacy and Athletics Society. In a letter from President Andrij Harasymowycz, he stated “We further have complete faith that the administrator appointed by the University to investigate this incident will come to a conclusion that ensures that members of the University College Community feel safe at the college, that their beliefs will not be the target of racism or violence, and that the editors of the Gargoyle will be judged and punished accordingly for their actions.”
The Gargoyle is not expected to publish again until next semester at the earliest.
