As editor of the Aquinian, I feel it’s my responsibility to promote the widest possible exchange of opinions and ideas. Everyone who works here believes that every member of the STU community should have a voice. Students have a natural interest in the quality of teaching at St. Thomas and should be allowed to express their points of view. However, the letter, ““Why I’ll never recommend St. Thomas U.” that was printed verbatim in the last issue of the AQ was not in the spirit of open dialogue, and it was my mistake to publish it without making changes in the name of civility and fairness. As editor of the AQ, I accept responsibility for allegations that were made in the letter, though the opinions in it were absolutely not my own. I believe that comments in the letter were beneath the standards of this community and were unnecessarily demeaning and unfair. I have offered a personal apology to Prof. Kathleen McConnell (Kathy Mac) and she has very graciously accepted it. Students at STU will continue to have a voice in this newspaper, and comments about teaching are part of university life, but cheap shots against individuals are beneficial to no one. As editor of the AQ, I apologize sincerely for the harm and the hurt that was caused.
