"It is my hope that these visiting scholars see this isolated incident for what it was, and that it is not in any way reflective of how honored we are to have them in our state and on our campuses."
Donald Bobbitt
What’s The Point?
Our best wishes go with 25 African visitors who recently departed a six-week stay at the University of Arkansas. One rude man’s behavior does not reflect the sentiments of the UA community or those of most Arkansans.
President, University of Arkansas System
Those who do not often play host to guests can be forgiven for underestimating the responsibilities that come with the role.
In addition to making preparations for the guests' stay, hosts also take on a duty to watch out for the guests needs and best interests during their shared time together.
We periodically think about the collective failure of some Arkansans who, for example, shout "booooo" from the stands as college players from another school emerge onto the field in a contest to which the Razorbacks have invited them. What, are we somehow offended that they actually accepted the invitation? Ah, it's all in good fun, right? Except that it's not. It's rude and unbecoming of a host.
Still, that's sports, where ungentlemanly or unsportsmanlike behavior is growing more accepted all the time. A fully engaged host, however, cannot accept the lowering of such standards. What happens to guests in our care demands our full attention.
The University of Arkansas gallantly performed the role of host for six weeks to 25 Africans who were visiting Arkansas as part of the U.S.-sponsored Young African Leaders Initiative. The UA was one of 20 universities across the country to host a total of 500 leaders. The group here represented 18 African countries. All of them met Monday with President Obama as they wrapped up their stay in the United States.
The UA contingent stayed in a university-owned fraternity house during their time in Arkansas, and it was there they witnessed what any host will naturally be appalled by -- boorish behavior.
The African leaders told police a man knocked on the door of their building shortly before 3 a.m. Sunday, July 20, demanded entrance and used racial slurs when they did not provide it. They reported the man indicated he was an alumni of the fraternity that uses the house during the regular school year. Police described the incident as "more criminal mischief and harassment, as opposed to someone trying to break into the house." The man quickly left.
As criminal incidents go, this one was fairly tame. If it was a member of the fraternity, one could easily conclude based on the timing and behavior that an alcoholic beverage or two might have been involved prior to his display of stupidity at the entrance to a familiar building.
The UA, however, did as any good host must do: Respond with genuine concern, apologize for the disrespectful behavior its guest encountered, and provide assurances that the deeds of one person reflects nothing more than the reality that Arkansas and places around the world have their share of louts. Hopefully, these visitors experienced far more hospitality in six weeks that demonstrates Arkansans' ability to be gracious hosts to anyone from anywhere.
It is our hope these 25 visitors from Africa will remember that hospitality for decades to come as they work in their homelands to improve lives. We're sure their laudable work faces challenges, perhaps even from ill-mannered oafs who do not represent the thoughts or deeds of most.
Commentary on 07/29/2014