A photo posted and shared on Facebook that apparently shows Washington University students dressed as soldiers and guarding another costumed student with water guns has sparked controversy on campus.
The photo, posted Oct. 30 with the title “Halloween ’13 Amurrica!!” shows three men in black tank tops and camouflage pants posing with a kneeling man wearing a camo shirt, a fake beard and what appears to be a turban. Another man is displaying an American flag in the background.
The photo has sparked discussion online after student Mahroh Jahangiri posted it on her Facebook page.
To some commenting online the photo seems to depict Osama bin Laden confronted by the U.S. military. To others it appears to depict a Muslim stereotype.
Jahangiri said in her post that it was offensive to Muslims and part of “a broader, more aggressive (and apparently violent) Islamophobia rampant here at WashU and in the United States.”
“This is disgusting and cannot be tolerated on this campus,” she wrote.
In a statement released Thursday afternoon, administrators said they were “disappointed and saddened” over the incident. Signed by Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton, Provost H. Holden Thorp and Vice Chancellor for Students Sharon Stahl, the statement said the administration was looking into the posting of the photo.
“Whatever the intention, the image has offended and hurt members of our community,” the statement said. “The image also is entirely inconsistent with who we are as an institution, our values and the way in which we engage in the world around us.”
The campus’ Muslim Students Association was planning an open forum Thursday night to discuss the issue.
The student on whose Facebook page the photo originally appeared could not be reached. Students in the photo also could not be reached.
Washington University letter
To members of our community:
As a community, one of our highest priorities is to maintain an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Images like the one that was posted on a social media site by students on Halloween and the impact it has had reminds us that we all must be united in this effort and it must be on-going. Whatever the intention, the image has offended and hurt members of our community. The image also is entirely inconsistent with who we are as an institution, our values and the way in which we engage in the world around us. We are deeply disappointed and saddened that this has occurred. We must expect better of ourselves and of each other.
The administration is looking into events that led to the posting of the image. Regardless of what we learn, this incident has once again challenged us to be more sensitive and more aware of how our actions impact others. Every one of our students must feel safe and valued, and must be able to pursue their studies. This is the only way we will create the inclusive community we aim to be.
Sincerely,
Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton
Provost H. Holden Thorp
Vice Chancellor for Students Sharon Stahl