"Lacrosse players" not a homogenous group

I write to disagree with the view of my good friend and colleague, Professor Emeritus Ole Holsti, that the lacrosse players should now apologize.

In his Oct. 4 letter to the editor, "More apologies necessary in lacrosse case," Holsti criticizes "the parents of the lacrosse players." The "lacrosse players" are not a homogeneous group; they are not equally blameworthy for the party. Some attended, some left in disgust and some were never there.

Further, the organizers of the party have apologized, in several different forums. These heartfelt apologies came immediately after the events being apologized for. Whether the events at the party required an apology is moot; those responsible have apologized, and the entire team had its season cancelled. Surely that is enough-more than enough-apology and punishment.

Finally, I am not so sure that President Richard Brodhead's apology went "beyond what was necessary," as Holsti claimed. I do know that a lot of time passed between the events and the administration's apology.

Nonetheless, I would hope that the players, and their parents, accept Brodhead's apology in the sincere spirit in which it was offered, and without qualification.

Mike Munger

Chair, Department of Political Science