An honest mistake?

Preview day offers Fairfield University the opportunity to show prospective students the campus and showcase its higher points.

Unfortunately, last Saturday was a low point for Fairfield University in its quest for greater diversity when it scheduled Preview Day on Yom Kippur.

Paul Caster, associate professor of accounting, was particularly annoyed that the University would discount one of the most prominent Jewish Holidays.

“When I first learned that Fall Preview Day was being held on Yom Kippur, a Jewish holy day of fasting and prayer, I was outraged,” he said.

This may be a Jesuit school, but it is one that preaches diversity, making it grossly irresponsible to neglect other religious practices. So, while it might not be a majority on campus, the Jewish religion should not be discounted.

“I think this past weekend’s scheduling insensitivity raises questions about whether our goal of increasing diversity in the campus community extends to religious diversity,” said Susan Rakowitz, professor of psychology.

Caster, meanwhile, after contacting various administration officials, said he was satisfied with their apologies. Still, he wondered what kind of message this would send to potential high school students.

Is Fairfield so concerned with recruiting potential students that they would potentially ostracize a small, yet important, community on campus?

Maybe it was just an honest mistake, but we should never allow ourselves to discount anyone.

A note from Rama Sudhakar, Vice President for Marketing and Communication:

In talking with an Admission representative, I understand that the dates for all Admission events are set at least a year in advance. This particular year, it was harder to find alternate weekend dates this month for Preview Day because of a variety of staff commitments. In planning its future events, the Admission office will be looking to schedule these events further in advance to make sure it doesn’t happen again.