"We strive to provide a living and learning environment that promotes academic freedom
& individual growth, embraces diversity, transformation, social justice, human rights & sustainable
environmental practices."
These words, which constitute the College House mission statement, enshrine our values.
However, we as Collegemen have failed in upholding these values while we have lived in these
halls. This letter is therefore an apology by The House Committee of 2016 for our abhorrent
patriarchal culture as a residence. We realize that merely apologizing will never be enough in terms
of undoing the wounds that we as Collegemen have inflicted on women and the queer community -
both throughout College House's history, …show more content…
And while we were not present at the
naming of the pub, the fact that after 8 months here, we have not problematized the name of the
pub is testament to our own denial over the dehumanising effects that our privilege has upon
women.
We claim to be best residence at UCT and yet we openly degrade women and the queer community
by singing songs that are the embodiment of patriarchy as a means of creating a "sense of
brotherhood." But there is no true brotherhood if this brotherhood is built on a collective
dehumanisation of women. We have not acknowledged women, and thus we have failed to embrace
human rights, transformation and social justice. Thus, we apologize to all women for our
despicable behaviour.
Our behaviour is especially unacceptable within the walls of College House when we consider that
our own contribution to the house pales in comparison to the women who continue to ensure that
this residence remains a functioning unit. They have been here before we have been here and they
will be here after we have left and yet we have disrespected them and their continued service to