University apologizes for insensitive social media post mocking deadly shooting at rival school.
A University Apologizes for Insensitive Social Media Post
A university is apologizing for a social media post that many interpreted as an insensitive reference to a tragic incident in the history of a rival school.
On Thursday, the University of Central Florida (UCF) faced off against Kent State University in a college football game. During the game, UCF’s social media account posted a picture of UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee on a sideline phone with the caption “SOMEONE CALL THE NATIONAL GUARD.”
UCF apologizes for wildly insensitive Kent State-National Guard post https://t.co/Xij0xHspk6 pic.twitter.com/5MPWKfD7hb
— New York Post (@nypost) September 4, 2023
The since-deleted post was meant to reference a famous 1996 game between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots. However, it was misinterpreted by some as an insensitive reference to a tragedy that occurred at Kent State over fifty years ago.
In 1970, the Ohio National Guard was called to Kent State to handle student protests against the Vietnam War. Tragically, the guardsmen fired into the crowd, resulting in the deaths of four unarmed students and injuries to nine others.
The Kent State shooting remains a defining moment in American history, and the memory of the incident still lingers at the school today.
UCF appeared to be unaware of or had forgotten Kent State’s tragic history when they made the post. Once they realized their mistake, UCF promptly deleted the post and issued an apology to Kent State.
In a statement to USA Today, UCF clarified the intention behind the post and expressed remorse to Kent State. They also implemented new protocols to prevent similar situations in the future.
It is important to note that UCF’s actions seem to be an honest mistake rather than an intentional mockery of Kent State’s traumatic history. However, UCF’s social media team should have exercised better judgment.
Maturity and Resolution
What is remarkable about this incident is the level of maturity demonstrated by both UCF and Kent State. UCF acknowledged their mistake, apologized sincerely, and took steps to prevent future errors. Kent State accepted the apology without escalating the situation.
In a time when cancel culture often prevails, it is refreshing to witness a situation resolved with understanding and forgiveness. People’s reputations can be destroyed for minor mistakes, but in this case, both schools handled the issue appropriately, and there appears to be no animosity between them.
This story serves as a reminder to think before posting on social media. It is crucial to consider the potential impact and implications of our words and actions.
Source: University Apologizes for Social Media Post Seen as Mocking Deadly Shooting at Rival School
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