Warren County Community College - I'm paying for this and I am LIVID!

My daughter is a student at WCCC. This weekend, she is taking a short (1 or 1.5 credit) concentrated course called "Fundamentals of Success." The course is taught by an African-American.



Long story short - last night a student in the class began typing part of his online assignment. In what might best be described as impulsive bad judgment, he titled his response using the N-word and (yeet!) He then walked away from the computer and came back later. Allegedly forgetting his rather stupid title, he completed the assignment and submitted it.



According to my daughter, the student was quite shocked to see his post up on the screen in the classroom. It was apparently left up there for quite some time.



So, my daughter, for whom we are paying this august institution to "educate", ended up spending most of the day dealing with the consequences of this instead of learning about "success" (which actually seems to be a very narrow course on success in college, not in life.)



She recounted that the president of the college came in, quite pissed because he was called away from his kid's last soccer game to deal with this, and began to berate the entire class for this unknown person's (and he, the instructor and everyone else knew damned well who did it!) slur. There was reportedly quite a bit of time spent on this matter.



So now, instead of my daughter writing ANYTHING about "success", this is her assignment for the class - which started Friday night and ends tomorrow: (Note that this person wants a DETAILED 3 page report)





Subject: Out-of-Class Assignment (SATURDAY)



For your evening out-of-class assignment:





PART ONE



Explain what the term, "diversity" means to you. Are you a diverse person? Are your friends diverse? If I asked you to make a list of 10 characteristics that make you a diverse person, could you do it? If so, please send me your list.



PART TWO



Interview at least two other people. You can structure the interview in your own way, but at least include the following questions:



•Why is it important to be culturally aware?

•Have you even been in a situation where you were the only person who was different?

•What are does the term, "diversity" mean to you?

•Is diversity a topic that should be talked about in groups? Why or why not?



PART THREE



Parts one and two of this assignment should be summarized in a thorough, detailed, 3-page report that you will submit tomorrow morning at the beginning of class. Your paper may be double-spaced and use no larger than 12-point font. Please be sure your name is at the top of the paper with the date.





Best,



Chris Hunt

Instructor, FYE 101 6 1

Fall 2014



Warren County Community College jjmonth4 ✉

Nov '14



There's nothing wrong with this whatsoever. This is a teachable moment about racism and the use of slurs. What's more, since everyone knew who did it, the entire class's frustration is enough to steer him or her to be less stupid (one could hope).



This isn't really a punishment, it's a lesson. Three pages isn't cruel or excessive. Considering the course is titled "Fundamentals of Success," I would consider watching what you type and being a team player pretty big fundamentals of success.



You need to stop whining. Your child is a grownup now, and sometimes grownups do things they don't want to. The fact that you took the time to make this post shows that you're still having trouble coming to terms with that.



I'm envious you have the brainspace to worry about this kind of stuff. There are bigger problems. Dbol ✉

Nov '14



Sounds like "Success" would be find a different but than again if it's a weekend course for 1.5 credits & they transfer to a 4 year school who cares? RU ✉

Nov '14



So I should be content with WCCC issuing college credit in exchange for money and pointless exercises in political correctness for a course that (at least promised) to teach something about "success?."



You're not Rutger's University, are you? Then I would understand, since with you it's all about political correctness, money....and the football team. jjmonth4 ✉

Nov '14



To me it does sound like a lesson was learned. Stupidity has consequences not just for you but those around you. A major factor in success is to avoid surrounding yourself with idiots. If your daughter in fact has learned that, you got more than your moneys worth. Agust ✉

Nov '14



there are many contributing factors to "success" - I imagine this course attempts to deconstruct the concept of success and its many interpretations.

this exercise can be viewed as very relevant if students are understanding how inherent privilege influences perceived success, and how apathy/lack of awareness affect social progress. hope they can all learn from it! kepa

Nov '14



sounds like an excellent opportunity to learn - more real and relevant than many other things I can think of................ 5catmom ✉

Nov '14



As a graduate of Rutgers (not Rutger's) University for both my B.A. and M.A. I take some offense to your characterization, JJ. It isn't all about political correctness. It is about learning to live and work with a diverse student body that represents a very broad base of ethnicities, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds. I actually don't think it can be drilled into people's heads enough that we learn to overcome such loaded derogatory terms and that their use in public discourse (or on a college paper, even as a bad joke) should be avoided.



Academics are only a part of college life...learning how to function and cohabit this planet with people who are different from you with mindfulness and respect are another part. In that sense, a 1 credit course on "success" in college may mean more than just getting good grades. It could mean learning to become a more sensitive, responsible human. That is the best of what a college education can provide, something Rutgers with a wildly diverse population has been doing well for some time now. I am glad that WCCC is dealing with this in a responsible manner. eperot ✉

Nov '14



Using the N word in a lesson and the reaction is not political correctness. It is a life lesson on how to conduct yourself in an adult world where there are serious consequences for your actions. Part of a successful college education is learning that diversity is part of the world you will live in. If you think that the use of the N word and teaching people about it is political correctness then maybe this would be a good lesson for your daughter to learn. MK ✉

Nov '14



You are way to wrapped up in your kids college education if your going to get balled up on a weekend course for 1.5 credits!!



If this teacher knew anything about success he would be a millionaire & not teaching at WCCC...lol



I got college credits for floating down the Batsto River while drinking beer - who cares.



The Lefties that are going to be thrown at your kid during their 125 or 130 credits will be staggering - those professors are all Socialist's & don't want to face the real world that's why they are still on a college campus.



So i wouldn't worry about a community college course - wait till they go to a 4 year school - just pay the money and move along. RU ✉

Nov '14



A 1.5 credit course sounds more like a mandatory class on how to succeed in college. In any case, I feel worse for the instructor than I do for the students. Obviously, the juvenile who wrote the offensive post did not man up. I'd be livid about him. Probably afraid he'd be kicked out of class/school. I can't say that the college is handling it fairly, but, in the end, it is one college assignment and not a bad thing to learn that the grown up working world is a diverse place and behavior like that won't be tolerated. maja ✉

Nov '14



RU, wow you have a narrow view of success. eperot ✉

Nov '14



Oh my god not the N word ., what are we in a harry potter movie with he who cant be named get over it its just a word Caged Animal ✉

Nov '14



It's just a word to you, to people who are called that it is more than a word, it is a denigrating insult to their heritage and their place in society. MK ✉

Nov '14



Yes it is an insult. And it's something that many members of their race use to refer to each other. Sorry, but the double standard needs to go away. If we are going to be angry about that word, then we need to be angry when black AND white people use it. btownguy ✉

Nov '14



If it is so denigrating and offensive, why is it ok when they call each other it? Oh yea, there's an "a" at the end.......hypocrites. Philliesman ✉

Nov '14



MK, that word never used to hold the "meaning" you are talking about - that's a modern phenomenon. It is, in fact, just a word. But if the reader is *not* willing to take he time to *discern* the intent of it's use then the word morphs into what's called a "trigger word". That's what this word is in our society today - a trigger word.



In fact, an assignment about discernment would have been perfect for a class about success. The ability to discern BS from reality, to discern when someone is trying to *manipulate* you emotionally by using trigger words to get you to behave a certain way, is far more critical to success than learning what every Kindergartener already knows - that the world is diverse. Goodness, all anyone needs to do is look around them to know about diversity. The world cannot be called anything but diverse for crying out loud!



jjmonth4, I think you have a wonderful opportunity on you hands to teach your student how to handle this kind of ridiculousness that exists in our society. Anyone that uses trigger words is trying to accomplish something. Explore what that may be, and what a better response to trigger words should be. IOW, instead of this exact situation where the school administrators are reacting emotionally to a trigger word (which is often the intent), ask what would bring about success more: Responding to a trigger word as the one using it intended, or discern the difference between BS and reality?



Heck, I'd even delve into the most overused trigger word we hear today - terrorism - and even talk about how that one, single, solitary word makes so many people do things they wouldn't otherwise do. Yes, there's a lot to learn from this. Diversity isn't it. justintime ✉

Nov '14



+1 btownguy, I have been in many blacks company and seen it first hand. Growing up before PC and Government taking over all aspects of society, Every grouping had two words to describe themselves. ( Could name them all, but the PC police would be coming for me)They separated themselves with in the group for acceptable behavior. Now we have a law calling it hate speech because every body is so touchy feeley today and with a LAW, sue instead of just dealing with a situation.

ONE SIZE DOSEN'T FIT ALL Old Gent ✉

Nov '14



Random thoughts.



Some words are highly charged and one must be very careful in usage; some are more highly charged to certain groups, some have very different meanings depending on the speaker. It's a very complex language but Hate Speech can be in the mind of the sender, recipient, innocent bystander or all of the above.



CC is 13th grade; most of these kids are basically doing what they did the year before in High School.



Assignments can be given based on the students need to learn. Or did you want a Common Core curriculum? For example, if this title was put up and the entire class snickered, I say give em the assignment, they need the learning experience. If it was just one kids who didn't get it, give him the assignment, and more perhaps.



I would doubt that a kid's soccer game should have been more important that this to the administrator.



If I could get 1.5 credits in a weekend, I would do almost any assignment. However the question "Are you a diverse person?" would be easy to answer yes to; it's a badly worded question for sure since everyone is diverse at some level.



Did it matter that the teacher was not white? If they had been white, would you expect a different outcome?



Do we really believe it is only politically correct to believe in diversity? Or that it is socialist or leftist to believe in diversity? If so, that does not speak well for conservatives, especially if they want to grow their ranks.



It is true that Rutgers is all about political correctness, money, and the football team. The fact that a very diverse group of very notable Americans studied there belies that assumption with fact.



Random thoughts. mistergoogle ✉

Nov '14



FOUNDATIONS of Success is the equivalent of a First Year Seminar at any 4 year college. It just teaches how to navigate college (specifically WCCC for the most part), and it makes you take a very basic look at your present plans and goals in life. I did it when I went to WCCC, but if you want your kid to get an associates then they have to take it. It isn't supposed to be some profound life altering class that gives you the wisdom to succeed through-out life, just mostly the tools to succeed for your next two years. helpthekitty ✉

Nov '14



Isn't part of college learning about life and have life lessons. I chalk this up to a life lesson that your kid won't forget. CraftBeerBob ✉

Nov '14



who cares...i've been called so many names over the years i could fill a book.thank your government and the left for all pc this country has.. tunnel rat ✉

Nov '14



Yes T R but now you can sue for being demeaned and mental anguish. Get with the program. Old Gent ✉

Nov '14



A lesson that's all. Even though this was at a community college, I could see it done at a four year college as well... iJay ✉

Nov '14



Many of you make interesting points that are worthy of further discussion. To some of you, it is all about just getting the credits or the great wrong that was committed by one person engaging in childish and malicious name-calling.



This course was, at least superficially, supposed to convey specific subject material that is necessary and valuable for college success. Instead, it got derailed less than halfway through and became a punitive class on diversity because of one person writing one "trigger word."



Had I been the instructor, I would have let this rather glaring insult linger for a few minutes in front of the perpetrator and the entire class. I would then incorporate it into a brief lesson on how one thoughtless and insensitive action could follow a person and adversely affect their success, possibly for the rest of their life.



Then I would have said "OK, let's continue with the lesson" ...and done so.



Just because it's "13th grade" does not mean that most of the class is not adult enough to see the action of their fellow student for what it was. They are also paying with their time and a lot of different people's money for this course's specific content.



Content which was not delivered as promised. jjmonth4 ✉

Nov '14



JJ you need to relax. One of the most important lessons to learn is that everything doesn't go the way we want. Accept it, be flexible and you can be very successful. The professor and school are in charge of what happens in class. Not you. not i

Nov '14



I'd ask to see the curriculum plan for the class, and if it wasn't met demand a refund. This shouldn't be about teaching the young adults "a lesson" outside of that plan, regardless of how valuable it is. Mark Mc. ✉

Nov '14



I'm with jjmonth on this.



For those of you who think "well that's life and it goes on", would you be so willing to accept "not getting what you were promised" at a restaurant, hotel, or retail store. Colleges are businesses. There is/was a financial transaction made with a promise for a specific product.



Now, I have no issues with the administration using this as a teaching moment but they still need to teach the materials promised. emaxxman ✉

Nov '14



Emaxx your analogy doesn't hold water. Its not as if it was a math class and they started teaching music theory. This class is a silly, mandatory, easy A class. Jj's daughter didn't choose to take this in the same way I order dinner at a restaurant. Furthermore, the 'product' you are paying for in college is credit and ultimately a degree, all of which is not in question. My advice to jj's daughter is to write the paper and move on. not i

Nov '14



BTW, I am not the only one who was livid over this. My daughter was extremely annoyed that the course material was hijacked in this manner.



She was up until after 2am writing this paper titled "Diversity." I did not sleep well and woke up at 4am to find a text and email from my daughter, requesting that I review and comment on the paper. She admitted that the paper was less a fulfillment of the specific requirements of the assignment than an essay on the current "diversity" paradigm (my word.)



She did a great job and gave a lot of solid commentary backed up by examples and life experience. I made some comments and suggested a little editing to break up the paragraphs, and sent it back. The end product was pretty damned good for some short-notice, late night work.



Her essay challenged the current diversity orthodoxy, instead of following some tired old rubric designed, IMO, to further divide us.



I am anxious to see her grade on this jjmonth4 ✉

Nov '14



not I - one of the stated purposes of higher education is to encourage critical/independent thinking.



You and several others here seem to accept the "pay, sit, follow the rules and produce the required end result for credential points" model that higher education has become.



This is indoctrination, not learning. jjmonth4 ✉

Nov '14



I think we should just refur to every one as HEY YOU Caged Animal ✉

Nov '14



Jj sounds to me like WCCC met exactly what you say their stated goal is. Although I suppose emaxx would disagree with that and say their main goal is to make money. Either way, sounds like your daughter had the opportunity to exercise independent/critical thinking skills! Hope she scores well. not i

Nov '14



Funny that a number of us have emotions here.....



First, my comment about Common Core was meant if much of the class reacted wrongly to the issue, perhaps one might think that the teacher was right in going off the standard curriculum and providing some much needed education in diversity. Undoubtedly not JJ's daughter but perhaps a majority needed the lesson; should have been extra work on top of the required curriculum. Perhaps not, who knows.



Secondly, the "13th grade" concept refers to that fact that in most four year sleepover schools, the parental cord is severed, not cut, a little deeper than for many if not most live-at-home cc-ers. I can't imagine any of my kids even mentioning this, and in my day, it would have taken an expensive LD call, collect of course, or a letter....... Even the internet did not have my kids talking to me about at issue of this level.



Third, the comments: "I'd ask to see the curriculum plan for the class, and if it wasn't met demand a refund" and "For those of you who think "well that's life and it goes on", would you be so willing to accept "not getting what you were promised" at a restaurant, hotel, or retail store" are not quite the situation. First, it's really up to the student to demand a refund; you really don't want Mom or Dad to run with the ball on behalf of the student. Second, it's not a restaurant, it's more like work and you need to ask yourself, if the boss assigned you this work, would you just do it or would you enter into a conflict mode over this. Unlike a restaurant, it's not as if you're going to say "screw it, I'll buy the next course elsewhere, I'm voting with my wallet....." And it's not like you really want to grab the reputation of a curriculum dissident unless you really are ready to live with all the possible consequences throughout your tenure there.



I always took the stand that I was paying for it; more so as I went further in my education. In hindsight not sure the pain was ever worth the point. My first detention for this was in fifth grade, I still say I was right, Mom agreed, we fought the good fight but I still sat in that room after school for a number of days. I gained subtlety's in my approach in later years. mistergoogle ✉

Nov '14



I don't know. I see why you're annoyed. However, if this happened in Corporate America, you can bet they would be ramping up the diversity training for everyone. So, like it or not, it is similar to what would happen in the "real world". MB ✉

Nov '14



"Although I suppose emaxx would disagree with that and say their main goal is to make money. "



A college is first and foremost a business. Its product is an education. They're not charity organizations regardless of whether they are listed as profit or non-profit. Each class has an outline of the "product" that it will provide in return for your tuition money. The school should provide a product that meets the outline. It can provide more if it wishes (eg diversity training) but it should never provide less. emaxxman ✉

Nov '14



"Its not as if it was a math class and they started teaching music theory. This class is a silly, mandatory, easy A class."



You certainly have a valid point there. My comment would be, what did the class promise to teach? Were there specific topics that were to be covered? Were they still covered or not?



I don't have the syllabus to the course so I can't say whether the class did or did not meet its obligation. My comments are really about those who have taken an "eh, life changes, deal with it" stance. emaxxman ✉

Nov '14



As a college graduate who stated at WCCC I am compelled to respond to your post as well as other ignorant posts on this thread regarding the professors at WCCC.



First I would like to tell you that your child is in college now and it is important to stay involved in her en devour. However, it is always going to be her challenge and her struggle. The post that talks about if this happened in a corporate environment everyone would be somehow punished for others ignorance is so true.



Anyway, the main point I want to make is Dr. Austin is a hardass, does not take anyone's crap and is a GREAT PROFESSOR. I was a student thinking "WHY do we have to do this" also...five years later I want to tell you that I still remember his lessons and his class had an impact on my life. Not to mention some of the other professor's I had there are business owners, lawyers, famous writers, and politicians.



In the long run your daughter is going to have to do a lot more than write a three page paper. She is going to be looking for reasons why "it is not fair" and how to take the easy street just like we all do.



My advise is guide her in the right direction by at minimum making her see that the professor was highly disrespected and did not deserve that. If she does write the paper she can continue to use it and amend it for her future education as she grows. ed

Nov '14



EEK! This is not just a lesson in political correctness, and it sickens me to think someone would place this under that category. If someone doesn't understand the reprecussions of insulting and discriminating against others by using hateful, demeaning terms--then they will not find success in this world. They will be part of the destructive forces. Your money would be wasted if this teacher and the administration left this situation alone. Empathetic ✉

Nov '14



ed- "other ignorant posts??" First of all, I don't get your context of "ignorant" in regard to the professors at WCCC.



Also, Austin may be a hardass but this instructor's name seems to be Hunt.



The paper was due today and was already written.



Give her more credit. You seem to assume that she will be looking for "easy street" and reasons why "it's not fair." You really don't know her. jjmonth4 ✉

Nov '14



This course eases the adjustment to college life

by helping the student develop the skills and

information necessary to succeed at WCCC.

Topics covered include seminars on developing a

purpose for being in college, making connections

with WCCC resources, time management, stress

management, note taking, test taking, academic

planning, and moving on beyond WCCC.



Course description from WCCC website. cwater

Nov '14



Wow the N word, it could have been worse, he could have said, "Redskins" judy ✉

Nov '14



the op originally stated: "last night a student in the class began typing part of his online assignment. In what might best be described as impulsive bad judgment, he titled his response using the N-word and (yeet!) He then walked away from the computer and came back later. Allegedly forgetting his rather stupid title, he completed the assignment and submitted it."



in what context was the dreaded and outlawed trigger 'N-word' used? iwo, what was the full title of the post?



can you please detail out for us what was the original assignment? what was the assignment for?



there is no question that there is a politically correct bias that is epidemic on our college campuses. calling people 'ignorant' for pointing that out is just one aspect of the total control that college professors use to enforce their version of 'political correctness', this is to demonize anyone who doesn't agree with the proscribed mantra of 'correct' thinking thereby isolating and marginalizing those who dare to offer a contrasting opinion.



that's very sad to me really,



college professors and administrators are living in a protected bubble and never really deal with real life outside the close confines of their college existence. limiting and controlling student's expression of their perspectives guarantees a more docile and controlled adult populace in the future.



needs to change, jjmonth makes some really good points here . . . . . BrotherDog ✉

Nov '14



Gee, I wonder where that word came from. LeRoy Grimace ✉

Nov '14



This was a pre-college class purported to help prepare young adults for success in college? Thwap thwap thwap... incoming helicopter... I think that for this particular student, much more than classwork will be needed to pry them loose and produce an independent person. As for the class.. learning to behave appropriately, consider the impact of your words... etc.. are essentials for success. pmnsk ✉

Nov '14



" there is a politically correct bias"

Not picking on you BDog, but really, think about it. Can you really be TOO politically correct? Must less biased? What's the downside: "gee he was just too correct, it was awful......" What's next? He was too polite; too clean; too neat; too soft spoken?



PMNSK: I was going to go there but then again, perhaps its JJ that is over reacting and the student was just griping, which is being all American, it's the 47th amendment: the right to gripe.



Also, I made the comment about 13th grade, severing the cord, etc. etc. but with today's internet, texting, video chats, etc., does anyone really ever leave home, friends, etc? Very different in our day, but perhaps this is better, but I think cord severing is now in the eye of the beholders and not due to whether you are physically separated or not. mistergoogle ✉

Nov '14



- great link LeRoy pmnsk ✉

Nov '14



'politically correct' = 'tolerance' , which preaches tolerance and acceptance for only those who 'think' like we do and preaches 'intolerance' for anyone who dares to be different from us.



at it's core 'political correctness' is a new form of religion that is totally intolerant of anyone who has a differing perspective or orientation.



'political correctness' limits the expression of free speech in unhealthy ways;



redskins is outlawed but rednecks is ok? The n-word is outlawed for whites but commonly used by african-americans? and that is ok? , really?



this is what college is teaching? omg . . . . BrotherDog ✉

Nov '14



Although I see the OPs point that the planned discussion of the class was derailed I think that any complaint should be initiated by the students in the class, not their mommies. Too often I think we as a society fight battles for our young adults rather then allowing them to deal with it on their own. Then we are shocked when newly minted college grads are unable to acclimate to the work force. MommyinGreen ✉

Nov '14



"CC is 13th grade; most of these kids are basically doing what they did the year before in High School."



This mrgoogle guy is a knucklehead, continually spouting this kind of nonsense in his boring, long-winded posts.



My daughter went to WCCC, and 59 of her 62 credits transferred to a pretty good four year school toward her degree in biology. Her classes at WCCC included calculus I & II, biology, organic chemistry, etc. She took the top level classes and did a lot of work before attending to make sure that the classes she signed up for would be accepted at the four year school. In fact, many of her classes (e.g. calculus) followed the Rutgers syllabi, so the students covered the same exact material in the same amount of time. She also earned her way into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and got to wear a special sash at her graduation. She is now a senior and in the honors program at her four year school.



Now, if one goes there and takes the easiest classes, then maybe it is similar to high school.



Go there, take the hardest classes, and try for the honor society. I guarantee that you won't feel as though you're still in high school! Plus you will be in fine shape as a junior when you transfer to the four year school.



By the way, the only class that didn't transfer was the success seminar mentioned by the original poster. Reggie Voter ✉

Nov '14



The knucklehead did use the word "most" Reggie meaning not all. And I would hazard that your daughter was indeed doing what she did the year before: living at home, taking tough courses, getting good grades, and generally excelling..... But just a guess.



BDog: I get what you're saying but I still say you can't be too politically correct, polite, clean, neat.....etc. The choice of not hurting someone's feelings versus a word selection seems a no brainer to me.



The issue comes when someone uses the politically correct concept as a hammer to knock the "offender" down throwing the racist, sexist, and all the other 'ist brands out. Just like you do with the concept of being too politically correct. Either form of intolerance is wrong. But I really don't see that happening here IMHO.



And "Rednecks" is not always OK, depends on the setting, the speaker, the audience and the implied usage. In NJ it's seen as cute or even a badge of honor, other places not so much so.



The use of many words are complex and ever evolving. The N-word is nuanced, has double standards depending on who's using it and where. May not be right, that's just the way it is.



But there's a course, take it and tell us what you learn: http://www.tolerance.org/magazine/number-40-fall-2011/feature/straight-talk-about-n-word Or just read the article to get a deeper understanding.



Used to be swearing in public was politically incorrect. Enter Lenny Bruce and now it's OK even if he did pay the price. Not better in my book.



Look what we used to be able to tell women that was OK but is now politically incorrect. Do you think it's a step to far not to be able to say what we used to?



What should we do in this complex, double-standard, nuanced world? In the case of whites, don't use it. It's just simpler. I have my own opinions for Blacks, rappers or not, but really it's up to them because what do I know about it. Or is it? In 2013, for use of the n-word in the workplace, "Both Johnson and Carmona are black. The federal jury hearing the case awarded Johnson $280,000 in damages." http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2013/09/06/219737467/who-can-use-the-n-word-thats-the-wrong-question



The times they are a changin. mistergoogle ✉

Nov '14



I'm quite familiar with the term "helicopter parent" and hardly consider myself one, but I do talk to my daughter a couple of times a week.



My original post was not so much an effort to complain on behalf of my daughter as it was an expression of my frustration with the ongoing stupidity that is becoming more and more prevalent in most of our academic institutions.



WCCC is a taxpayer- and student- (through loans, savings or parents) funded college. In my daughter's case, the funding comes from money her mother and I have saved over the course of many years. Other less fortunate students fund their education with loans which have the potential to saddle them with debt for many years. Warren County taxpayers (her mother, my parents, my brother, my sister and brother-in-law) are also paying to keep this place going.



My daughter has had her classes cancelled quite a few times (one instructor is particularly bad in this regard), sometimes not finding out until after she drove a half hour and used a gallon of gas. This is supposedly OK, because most of her assignments are online....which begs the question - why do they need more classroom space?? Anyway, she ends up wasting her time and two gallons of gas (round trip) that she paid for.



So that ticked me off....



>>Hearsay warning! - the following is based on what I heard from someone in the class. It is their perception of the instructor and the instructor's behavior: <<



I have heard that there is an instructor whose classroom banter with students of certain ethnic groups sounds like a discrimination/harassment suit waiting to happen. I REALLY hope that someone complains about that person if there is truth to this. This person at least needs a stern warning (again, if true) so students can relax and learn AND so taxpayers don't get stuck with legal bills/settlement costs.



So that ticked me off....



Then my daughter comes to visit me on Saturday and tells me about the fiasco that started this thread.



So that....was the last straw!



And I'm betting that this "diversity" assignment's sole purpose was to punish, not raise consciousness. jjmonth4 ✉

Nov '14



Point of order: Diversity just "is". It's not something that can be taught, it's simply a lack of sameness. It's ever-present, all around us at every moment of our lives. Using the word diversity in the context presented here is just a smoke screen to conceal what people really want.



What people are really asking for when they say diversity should be "taught" is that ~acceptance of thought~ should be taught, that sameness of thought is what's desired in society. If diversity is really what people wanted then others would be able to voice their opinions and views without being told they're not diverse enough. Put another way, in the context here the point is that a certain way of thinking, or a certain perspective, should be foisted upon others who think differently. Of course I completely disagree with that view.



Mind you, I am in no way condoning the current usage of the word in question. I agree that most often it's use is meant to incite. That's why I mentioned above that the word has become an emotional trigger word, used predominantly when someone want to "get a rise" out of people. Mission accomplished in that regard.



No, I'll repeat myself by saying that the ability to discern fact from fiction is what's needed, not the forceful pushing of one viewpoint on others via "diversity training" that is no such thing, and to learn to ignore the obvious attempts to incite. Live and let live should prevail here. justintime ✉

Nov '14



looks like austin and his politically-correct-acolyte professors at the county college all need to go back to school themselves:





"If there is one thing certain about the modern n-word — a shifty organism that has managed to survive on these shores for hundreds of years by lurking in dark corners, altering its form, splitting off into a second specimen and constantly seeking out new hosts, all the while retaining its basic and vile DNA — it is that it defies black-and-white interpretations and hard-and-fast rules.



The word is too essential as an urban slang term to be placed in a casket and buried, as NAACP delegates attempted to do in a 2007 mock “funeral” for the word. It is too ingrained in youth culture to be eliminated from city streets, as the New York City Council attempted with a symbolic resolution banning the word the same year. And more than likely, it will prove too complex and nuanced to be policed by football referees wielding yellow flags and penalties. Never mind the troublesome optics of a group of mostly white NFL executives dictating the language rules of a majority-black player pool.



If anything, in 2014, it is the very notion of banning the n-word that appears dead and fit for burial. It was a long and noble fight, waged largely — but not exclusively — by an older generation for which the word is inseparable from the brutality into which it was born. If there is still a meaningful n-word debate left to have, it is over context, ownership and the degree to which it should be tethered to its awful history — or set free from it.



A word that is used 500,000 times a day on Twitter — as “nigga” is, according to search data on the social media analytics Web site Topsy.com — is almost by definition beyond banning. By comparison, “bro” and “dude” — two of the terms with which the n-word is synonymous to many people younger than 35 — are used 300,000 and 200,000 times, respectively. For many of this generation, the word is tossed around unthinkingly, no more impactful than a comma.



“It’s such a regular part of my vernacular. It’s a word I use every day,” said comedian/actor Tehran Von Ghasri, a 34-year-old D.C. native of African American and Iranian American heritage. “I’m a ‘nigga’ addict.”"



http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/national/2014/11/09/the-n-word-an-entrenched-racial-slur-now-more-prevalent-than-ever/ BrotherDog ✉

Nov '14



"Used to be swearing in public was politically incorrect. Enter Lenny Bruce and now it's OK even if he did pay the price." - mistergoogle.



LoL @ the Lenny Bruce reference. He died almost half a century ago and NOW your saying "The times they are a changin."



Thanks for the laugh. MikeL ✉

Nov '14



Oh no, not "banter with students of a certain ethnic origin"! The sky is falling! LeRoy Grimace ✉

Nov '14



"'political correctness' limits the expression of free speech in unhealthy ways"



Go up above 125th street in Harlem, use the N-word, and see just how healthy your free speech makes you. eperot ✉

Nov '14



so, what did your daughter learn from all this? Sometimes things are unfair and change mid-stride, and you have to deal with it anyway.... People don't always act as you expect them to, and you have to deal with it anyway.... You don't always get what you should, and you have to deal with it anyway... Your professors (adults, bosses) have the right and will tell you what to do, whether fair or not, and you have to deal with it anyway... You do have the right to ask for what is right - TO THE PEOPLE INVOLVED, NOT YOUR MOMMY, and have to deal with the consequences anyway... and oh, yes, Mommy will help with your homework.

Most of these lessons are vital "adult" lessons... pmnsk ✉

Nov '14



What did she NOT learn? How to address a concern regarding services expected in an appropriate manner to the appropriate individual(s) involved. How to appropriately advocate for yourself as an adult, and how to do your work independently. pmnsk ✉

Nov '14



+1 eperot. Try putting on a 3-piece suit, going to a bar in Stumptown WV and yell to the barkeep, "hey, redneck, I need a beer....." Location, location, location.



And in the amplified confusion department:



"Very well put, JIT!"



"What people are really asking for when they say diversity should be "taught" is that ~acceptance of thought~ should be taught, that sameness of thought is what's desired in society"



What the heck does that mean? I thought we were talking about words and diversity. Accept that..:>)



I do think I do understand the message behind the garble; one takeaway is that's one reason I use so many words although my attempts at clarification probably just make the water muddier than ever.



"Point of order: Diversity just "is". It's not something that can be taught, it's simply a lack of sameness"



Uh, that can be taught.......



Point of order. As previously noted, dictionaries and definitions are ever evolving. If you think the word "diversity" means simply "differences" today, you have to catch up on current events. It means much more. And, frankly, if you don't get that, I would suggest some "diversity training" under the current readily known definition of the word. Likewise, the n-word and all of it's flavors has very different meaning(s) than it did in the past.



I do agree, and attempted to post just before you, that people use the term "diversity" to categorize those they feel are not respectful of differences as bad, the 'ist brand. The use it as a club, and it's not just the left, the right use it to beat folks down just as much. And in that, they are not being respectful of diversity themselves. Generally the PC Police act like that.



However, I do not see that in this case. I seem a student not respecting others, whether purposeful or just plain dumb stupid lazy, and a teacher attempting to seize the moment for a learning experience. Personally, I would have liked to see extra credit or a assignment beyond the curriculum, but whatever. IMHO I do not see a teacher using diversity as a club or punishment although I could see where others might. It's a perception.



Meanwhile, JIT, while the simplest classic definition of diversity is difference; here's a pretty good summary on the current usage of the world diversity in the modern culture. Today diversity means:



"The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect.

It means understanding that each individual is unique,

and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along

the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs,

political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration

of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment.

It is about understanding each other and moving beyond

simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the

rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual." UofOedu.com



Hope that helps bring you up to date. Anything else, jgi. mistergoogle ✉

Nov '14



from the washington post article:



"A word that is used 500,000 times a day on Twitter — as “nigga” is, according to search data on the social media analytics Web site Topsy.com — is almost by definition beyond banning. By comparison, “bro” and “dude” — two of the terms with which the n-word is synonymous to many people younger than 35 — are used 300,000 and 200,000 times, respectively. For many of this generation, the word is tossed around unthinkingly, no more impactful than a comma." BrotherDog ✉

Nov '14



where is al sharpton? tunnel rat ✉

Nov '14



and yes, a parent helping a college student editing/cleaning up their sentence structure for a college assignment can be viewed as "helicoptering"



my parent had no idea what i was assigned or asked to produce during my college years, they knew the major, and most of the course titles, but that's it.



helping me write a paper for a grade? not in this lifetime.



you got to learn to swim on your own in this world



btw, what was the original assignment that the one student titled using the n-word?



and what was the full title this student gave the assignment? taking the n-word out of the context it was used in is not helpful in understanding just how it was used BrotherDog ✉

Nov '14



I think I have a pretty good understanding of what a helicopter parent is, and I even agree with the sentiments regarding the harm such parenting can cause.



I apparently I didn't make my reasons for doing what I did clear enough...so:



- My daughter did not ask for help. I just blew a gasket at what I regarded as just one more waste of a student's time, tuition (saved or borrowed) and taxpayer money. Thus my original post...



- I asked her what her perspective was on the assignment, and was quite impressed with her take on things and her intended response. I then told her that I'd be interested in reading it. She said she would email it to me when she was finished.



- Being all fired-up, I did not sleep well. I got up to find the email in my inbox. She asked me to proofread it and if I had any comments on it. I did the same thing I used to do for my co-workers and friends and made some suggestions. I did break up an overly long paragraph or two, also. (Remember, this punitive assignment had to be written after an all-day class and was due the next morning.)



- The last thing my daughter asked me to help her with before she made this eminently reasonable request for me to proofread her paper was to teach her how to change the oil in her truck, so she could DO IT HERSELF the next time.



This rant was all me. My daughter certainly didn't ask me to do this or fight her battles for her.



This is a public forum with a substantial number of Warren County taxpayers in the audience. I figured this would be the best place to let off a little steam and rattle some institutional cages. jjmonth4 ✉

Nov '14



thanks, i got where you're coming from, and from your other posts on the other threads i think i knew where you stand on this already, i was pointing out how others could get a different take away



can you tell us what was the full context in which the offensive word was used?



student uses the n-word in a title, what was the full title they put?



also, the title was for an assignment, what was the assignment that garnered the 'forbidden' trigger word? BrotherDog ✉

Nov '14



"So I should be content with WCCC issuing college credit in exchange for money..."



Don't all colleges do that? You pay them money and they give you college credit. Over time after you've paid them a lot of money they give you piece of paper which should hopefully land you a well paying job. Now just make sure this paper you get is in a field that is worth something. As if you get a degree in liberal arts you will be well suited for serving coffee for the next 40 years. sack

Nov '14



Yeah, sack, that is how it works nowadays....



BD- The assignment was, from what I'm hearing, an in-class one on "what I expect to learn from (the course)"...or some such. My daughter was in a position to see the idiot type it in, then creatively deny it by essentially saying he stepped away and didn't know who typed it in. Problem was, I heard, nobody left their desks. The repercussions occurred after the lunch break.



So, instead of having to write one paper for this course and (historically, so I've heard) getting a week to do it, she had to write two on a shorter timeline. The main paper from the course was due yesterday and STILL had to include more "diversity" BS in the content.



She had no help from me on that one and was working late this week at her job, so she had to complete it in a hurry...with less passion for the content since the whole learning experience was marred by this, IMO, overreaction on the part of instructor and administration.



There was also an in-class exercise the next day where students had to pair-up and discuss how valuable the experience of interviewing the required two people about "diversity." She stated that the exercise was of very little value and her opinion was duly reported by her partner, to the class, as required by the instructor.



My daughter related that the instructor was clearly nonplussed by her lack of conformity to the expected flowery PC drivel. He also appeared to be pissed.



And, seeing what college has become, I think it's time to stop referring to instructors as "professors." For the glorified high-school teachers that many of them are, I think they "fart higher than their ass" if they think they deserve that title. jjmonth4 ✉

Nov '14



"lack of conformity to the expected flowery PC drivel. He also appeared to be pissed."



couldn't have said it better myself;



the intolerance of the politically correct crowd is astounding in it's hypocrisy,



it's all about control of thoughts and speech , that's what it really is.



austin and his hand picked team of sycophants are driving this; you must conform or be thrown out of the village.



college professors as a group across our colleges are overwhelmingly progressive democrats, (about 80% self identify as registered democrats) and it shows in how they denigrate, downgrade and dismiss their students who have a more conservative perspective. they give those students lower grades because they don't conform to their dictated 'approved' thought processes.



this is what college in amercia has become, and it's wrong.



btw, what the full context of the title this student typed the n-word into? context makes a difference in how it's use is intended, the mere presence of the word doesn't tell us much. did he type in a one word title? the n-word is used 500,000 times a day on twitter, it seems that in some contexts it is perfectly acceptable. BrotherDog ✉

Nov '14



"college professors as a group across our colleges are overwhelmingly progressive democrats" proving the old adage that regressive Republicans just can't handle college. mistergoogle ✉

Nov '14



You guys, and everyone on this forum, IMO, might benefit from realizing that all of this republican vs. democrat, black vs.white, Mexicans vs.- H'towners hostility is all a part of a grander scheme to keep us divided.



Yeah, the R-team jumps on the D-team because each side has their own vision of controlling the masses (though they are more alike than different on a grander scale), the blacks and whites fight because of the legacy of slavery....which ran smack-dab into the spirit of our Constitution in the first place...that has been replaced by a warped "affirmative action" policy courtesy of the officials we seem to constantly re-elect, or a really messed-up system which lets people slip over the border illegally and then lets them suck on the public teat....courtesy of the selected officials we continually re-elect.



You are blaming...and supporting...the wrong people.



You guys really have to stop watching CNN, MSNBC, Fox News and all the other major media outlets.



You can learn a hell of a lot you might not have known from such diverse sources as Al-Jazeera, RT, BBC and other alternative media.



The only requirement to at least attempt to achieve a balanced view of world affairs would be to watch each source and do a little critical thinking, keeping in mind the point of view of the source.



The truth is in there, somewhere...and you won't find it by pissing at- or hating each other. jjmonth4 ✉

Nov '14



have you ever read "the gods of eden" ?



author talks about just what you are saying, that since the dawn of mankind there has been a push-pull paradigm that is set up, managed and encouraged by those who want to see us at odds, the goal being to hold us back from our full potential, keep us busy fighting each other so that we cannot concentrate on reaching our full potential



guy who wrote it backs it up with quotes, material and events throughout the history of man.



interesting read, i must say



for what it's worth, jj, i have advised people to get info from a wide variety of sources and parse it for themselves to come up with their own conclusions, have been very consistent with that over time here. you can see that in many of the other threads,



i stand by what i said above, it happens to be quite true BrotherDog ✉

Nov '14



To your point JJ. She served 11 terms

Democrats had supported the idea of a family and medical leave law since at least the mid-1980s, but few Republicans or business groups did. Mrs. Roukema became an essential supporter, brokering a compromise that exempted companies with fewer than 50 employees from having to provide the bill’s principal benefits: up to three months of unpaid leave at the time of a child’s birth or adoption, or when an immediate family member falls ill.



Just another mandate and loss of freedom. Old Gent ✉

Nov '14



BD -never read it, but have heard...and believe....what it says about truth. Thanks for letting me know the source. I will read it.



OG, I don't get exactly where you are coming from...but then I am a bit thick-in-the- head at times.



I have personally benefitted from the FMLA, all the time realizing that someone else (the taxpayers of the town I worked in) were paying for it. I did, and still do, appreciate it....though I don't agree with it philosophically.



Mandates aren't always bad, just mostly bad.



Like being crazy, it's an 80/20 thing. jjmonth4 ✉

Nov '14



I am just showing there is not much different in the parties.

The other thing is who is the government to tell business what perks they HAVE to give. That is not freedom. Blaming them for making a product not as advertised is another story. Old Gent ✉

Nov '14



I agree 100% Old Gent! jjmonth4 ✉

Nov '14



Maybe, just maybe, instead of being part of some vast conspiracy to keep us from reaching our full potential instituted by "them," whoever they may be this week, perhaps, just perhaps, the Family Medical Leave Act was just a good idea. You know, decent, fair, compassionate, and loving. Nah, just a loss of freedom.



JJ and BD, who are "they" who want to keep us at odds? What do they get by us not reach our "full potential?"



Oh, and by the by, yes, I read those and many more. Frankly, I do not watch much MSNBC or FOX; never watch CNN except for the Wolfman's 24x7 filling dear air with pabulum specials, although I do read CNN, MSNBC and FOX when they just pop up in the search sometimes. Sorry. mistergoogle ✉

Nov '14



I have always spent my life defending Freedom and the Constitution and served in doing so. I was always put down by my friends and acquaintances with the answer. " It won't hurt " Well the few that are alive now have a different view. The last defense of the Constitution left is the second amendment. I saw the other day that 63% of the people polled are now against gun control. a few years ago it was 53% in favor. I hope is not to late. You may see where it goes from here, but.I won't likely.

Your definition of full potential to me is being a surf to the leaders, not Freedom. You can be a surf in any other country one way or the other.

This was the land of opportunity for ALL. Old Gent ✉

Nov '14



Can you imagine the course of human history if education was driven not by "progressives" but by "conservatives"? We'd probably still be living in caves, if not trees, lol. iPhone-imal ✉

Nov '14



We have many living on the streets and caves now in the progressive country. Old Gent ✉

Nov '14



And don't forget the many with their heads up their arses ! jerseycash5

Nov '14



"We have many living on the streets and caves now in the progressive country."

And amazingly, many of them work full time for our below-poverty level minimum wage.



Just remember, every fast food item you eat was cooked by a hard working employee subsidized by our tax dollars in order to reach up to the poverty level. That's conservative: pay em, tax em, tax subsidize them, and have them still living on the streets, and then whine that they all vote for Democratic handouts. mistergoogle ✉

Nov '14



Not even close to a conservative plan. Opportunities without Government subsidies is a strange concept for progressives. I just remembered, I read some where that the poor will be with you always. That same book says war will be with you always. It seems to be a frailty of mankind. I look to a higher power then Government to solve these issues. Old Gent ✉

Nov '14



You're right; the conservatives would keep the minimum wage as far below the poverty level as possible (create jobs!!!!), skip the taxes and subsidies bringing people closer to the poverty line and throw those living on the streets in jail.



Gonna need a bigger jail.



But throwing them all in privatized jails creates private sector jobs and for every minimum wager we lock up, there's another Mikey D's job. It's a job creation bonaza!!!!!!!



And, as an added bonus, and keeping with the thread, no doubt the need for diversity training will be less important. mistergoogle ✉

Nov '14



I cant argue with you on todays situations because no Conservatives are in power. Those in power today are just fighting and nit picking over the spoils after ignoring the Constitution as written.

"Warren County Community College - I'm paying for this and I am LIVID!"

Case in point Old Gent ✉

Nov '14



I feel your pain, as a successful business owner, I had taken classes at WCCC to hopefully enhance my skills. Butted heads with my so called educators as a paying adult student, my experience educated me that real life experience superseded to so called educational system. Unless you are seeking a sepecilized occupation,don't waste your time or monies on Collage credits, they are useless in the real world. History shows us the most successful and wealthy people in this country were innovators, no collage education but talented people that pursued their interests.

I admire true educators, that have a lot to offer our community and our society, they are the true heroes, not the educationsl system that sucks monies from all of us to perpetuate their nice incomes, research those on the Collage food chain, a Fund Raiser with staff, no collage credits for that position, just political connections.

If you child ants an education, it's free. Attend municipal and county meeting and see how the real world works. Cheryl Burket ✉

Nov '14



college, college, college.....

It's true, that many folks are able to make their way and succeed without college - but most professions require education beyond high school - specialized education that can be obtained only in college (unless the apprenticeship system fits the specialty you seek) - but college is also a source of options. I never knew that my profession existed before college - I entered thinking that I would pursue one track, only to become exposed to more varied and exciting pursuits that I has not even considered. Certainly there are pursuits that do not require college and there are individuals who will create their own paths, but college is a great way to identify your passions, consider options and grow... now, if we could only fund it better, so that education becomes the great equalizer that it promises. pmnsk ✉

Nov '14



Judging a college experience from taking a few classes at a community college is misguided. Most instructors at a community college are there because they couldn't get hired at a proper 4 year college. I can't recall any of my professors pushing political agendas one way or the other at the college I attended. However, I did take a couple of for fun classes at a community college and had a different experience- but it was a push for conservative ideals, not progressive. MommyinGreen ✉

Nov '14



Do the math and on average, college pays. If you want to blame liberals, lame classes, bad professors, fine, but on average, college pays.



Of course, you are not average, but what's a million dollar advantage anyway.......



Unemployment lower too......on average of course..... mistergoogle ✉

Nov '14



"Unless you are seeking a sepecilized occupation,don't waste your time or monies on Collage credits, they are useless in the real world. History shows us the most successful and wealthy people in this country were innovators, no collage education but talented people that pursued their interests.

I admire true educators, that have a lot to offer our community and our society, they are the true heroes, not the educationsl system that sucks monies from all of us to perpetuate their nice incomes, research those on the Collage food chain, a Fund Raiser with staff, no collage credits for that position, just political connections. "



spelling COLLEGE wrong 4 times doesn't really help your point about not needing college. darwin ✉

Nov '14



She's right... collage credits are a waste of time and money; papier-mâché credits are where the big money is. ianimal ✉

Nov '14



oh ianimal, so didn't want to go there... but it was just so easy! lol pmnsk ✉

Nov '14



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