…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Wisconsin College Student Issues Apology After Racist Video Sparks Outrage
A Wisconsin college student, Audrey Godlewski, has been forced to issue a groveling apology after a video of her spewing racial slurs and making derogatory remarks about black people went viral on social media.
The incident has caused widespread outrage and led to protests by black students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, demanding appropriate action against Godlewski.
Video Controversy and Apology:
In the video posted on TikTok, Godlewski can be heard expressing hateful sentiments, including a desire for black people to “pick cotton in fields until they die of thirst.”
After the video gained attention, Godlewski scrubbed her social media accounts and sent an apology to the University of Wisconsin’s student-run newspaper, the Daily Cardinal.
In her apology, she acknowledged the harmful and unacceptable nature of her comments.
Reactions and Freedom of Speech:
The apology comes after a month of protests by black students, calling for Godlewski’s expulsion from the university.
However, UW-Madison’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion, LaVar Charleston, stated that the institution would not take punitive action against her due to the protection of freedom of speech.
While condemning Godlewski’s remarks, Charleston emphasized that a few individuals do not represent the university as a whole.
Student Protests and Demands for Change:
The circulation of the video prompted black students to raise their voices against racial inequities on campus.
An online petition demanding Godlewski’s expulsion garnered over 65,000 signatures.
The student group BLK PWR Coalition organized a town hall and multiple demonstrations to highlight the emotional effects of systemic racism and to call for change within the university.
University Response and Demands:
UW-Madison’s leadership, including Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, condemned the racist slurs and sentiments expressed in the video.
However, they stated that legal constraints prevented them from taking punitive action against Godlewski.
The BLK PWR Coalition presented a list of nine demands, including public apologies, acknowledgment of systemic racism, increased funding for safe spaces and diverse student groups, and the re-evaluation of diversity and inclusion departments.
Godlewski’s Apology and Response:
In her apology to the Daily Cardinal, Godlewski expressed sincere remorse for her actions and acknowledged the pain and anger she caused.
However, the BLK PWR Coalition expressed disappointment that she did not directly apologize to them and emphasized the need for white students, faculty, and administrators to confront white supremacist ideologies and microaggressions.
The group called for systematic change and the support of Black student leadership.
Conclusion:
The racist video shared by Audrey Godlewski has ignited a strong response from the University of Wisconsin-Madison community.
While Godlewski issued an apology and faced consequences, the incident has shed light on the importance of addressing systemic racism and the need for a collective effort to combat discrimination and promote inclusivity on campus.