Facts: On May 10, 2011, C.J. Leslie posted anti-gay tweets on his Twitter. He endorsed several homophobic opinions before eventually deleting the comments and delivering an apology via Twitter.
Our opinion: C.J. Leslie took a step back for the University by posting homophobic comments on a public forum. As a representative of this University, C.J. Leslie’s posts were completely inappropriate. The institution of sport, as the avenue toward the public mindset, should be more carefully monitored.
C.J. Leslie, sophomore men’s basketball forward for N.C. State, recently wrote several words that sparked a significant controversy. His anti-gay posts on his public Twitter contained comments such as, “I’m not saying I hate gays but that’s sumthing that I would not wnt n my locker room…” solidifying his negative position toward homosexuals in athletics on a public forum. Leslie had the right to express his opinion; however, as a representative of a major university as well as the institution of sport, he also has the responsibility of promoting constructive ideas and refraining from destructive judgments, at least as voiced to the public.
C.J. Leslie’s posts undoubtedly contributed to a larger issue: the acceptance of GLBT individuals in today’s society. Our justice system has established two demographic characteristics – race and gender – by which people are not to be discriminated against. This standard is integrated into the fabric of our society. Had Leslie chosen to write a racist or sexist comment on his Twitter, the University, athletic administrations, and larger community would have caused a much larger uproar. Because society has not come to a clearly defined stance on the GLBT community, Leslie’s comments will not be taken as seriously.
The athletic administration and University did acknowledge that Leslie, as a representative of much larger institutions, should monitor what he says to the public. He did deliver an apology through his Twitter, and Annabelle Meyers, assistant athletic director for media relations, said that Leslie’s posts did not reflect the opinion of the University. However, she was quick to add that Leslie’s post reflected personal opinion and that the University could not control what Leslie says online.
It is true the University cannot censor the words of its students. The First Amendment protects this. However, the University also maintains a positive position on diversity and the acceptance and tolerance of others’ ideas. Chancellor Woodson, in his diversity statement, said that, “we must create a campus climate and overall sense of global awareness that encourages and embraces all forms of diversity.” Though national policy may advocate equal rights for different races and genders, Woodson and N.C. State believes that we must encourage all forms of diversity.
Leslie’s posts were out of place due to the fact that he is a representative of sports, a very influential institution. After all, Jackie Robinson, the first black Major League Baseball player, was one of the primary figures to break the line of racial segregation in baseball, which eventually led to desegregation by race in all sports. It would be wise for Leslie to follow Robinson’s example. In the 1950’s, race was the hot-button issue; now, it is the GLBT community.
Leslie holds a powerful position and is capable of influencing a larger community. It would be prudent for him to spend his time voicing constructive ideas rather than thoughts that only reflect a backward step for the tolerance of minority individuals and the advocacy of diversity. Leslie was at fault when he posted his comments on Twitter, and the athletic administration should take a firmer stance on the issue to facilitate change. A new athlete may come forward to be the new Jackie Robinson, but after Leslie’s comments, endorsing homosexual involvement in the athletic community will be much harder. Leslie should consider the power of his position in the future and refrain from voicing such intolerant thoughts to the public.
