College House Mission Statement Analysis

Words: 883
Pages: 4

Good Morning,

"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,
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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