Letter to the Editor — I love you more, Wichita State
Loving the university doesn’t mean that you can’t call it out for its wrongdoings. Serving as the student body vice president last year, I’ve become more aware of how Wichita State values its image over its students. I’ve realized how a failing system requires everyone a responsibility to listen, learn, and lead towards bettering such a system. But what do I love about this university?
I love how the SGA president has a hard time realizing that she contributes to a racist society. I get it, it’s unsettling, but “we’re all human” doesn’t mean you’re not a racist one.
I love how Lou Heldman said last spring that the university has “moved on” from the 2015 chapel controversy.
I love how Andy Schlapp ordered the Heskett Center staff to take down the gender-neutral shower banner for the space done to support transgender students.
I love how Teri Hall can suggest Muslim students use a janitor’s closet to wash their feet, lie about it, and still some believe that this disgusting suggestion was taken out of context (don’t worry, I have the recording and will release soon).
I love how Teri Hall’s response to a black student allegedly being called the n-word was only “oh” as she proceeded to go get leftover food from the SGA banquet, take a seat with others, and ask “what really happened?”
I love how Teri Hall’s former boss said that she could better herself by “listening to others more” when at last year’s NASPA conference. She should be listening and maybe learning to not be online shoe shopping during the student fee’s committee meeting.
I love how Tony Vizzini spends KBOR meetings looking for items to add to his Star Wars collection.
I love how flustered-red John Tomblin was when it took a senator three times to dumb down a question for him, only for him to not understand it.
I love how it took John Bardo 45 days to show support to Muslim students and only one day to show support to campus statues.
I love how John Bardo contributes to rape culture.
I love how John Bardo said that I was discriminating against him by believing that he doesn’t care for students.
I love how after reading this, I’ll probably get another notice of suspension from Teri Hall. But hey, here’s to free speech.
I love you more, Wichita State.
Taben Azad
Fake Pres. Bardo • Sep 30, 2017 at 12:15 am
Cant we all just settle down and drink some coffee? After all you cant even think of administration changing until kbor changes.
As always,
Fake Pres. Bardo
Fake Joseph Shepard • Sep 30, 2017 at 10:00 pm
Dear Fake Pres. Bardo,
That is it! The 58th Session Joseph is back and coming to your office to stage a sit in! There will be duct tape on statues, Taben and I playing the victim card (and possibly cuddling), there may be balloons, and if you could bring soda and maybe some popcorn that would be appreciated. How dare you try to silence the voices of students with amazing coffee! Shame on the evil Administration once again for something incredibly minor that I plan on blowing way out of proportion! For shame!
Just kidding, we still on for brunch next Saturday? Miss you, xoxo.
#IStandWithFakeShepard #BrunchBuddies
Regards,
Fake Joseph Shepard, Fake Student Body President, Emeritus, Wichita State University
Real Shocker • Oct 2, 2017 at 11:21 am
Just so everyone knows, this is Braydon Hosman commenting above.
Fake Joseph Shepard • Oct 2, 2017 at 1:48 pm
Real Shocker,
As much as I would love someone else taking the fall for me, that is not correct. I do not even go to Wichita State. But if telling yourself it is Braydon helps you sleep at night, do what you have to do.
Way to fail, Nancy Drew.
#YouAreADolt #BlameGame #SleepTight
Regards,
Fake Joseph Shepard, Fake Student Body President, Emeritus, Wichita State University
P.S. Stop trying to silence Fake Joseph Shepard or I will protest you so hard!
Another Shocker • Oct 9, 2017 at 11:37 pm
Definitely don’t think this is Brayden. I don’t know him that well, but he doesn’t seem like the kind of person who would ever stoop to satire to present a point.
Chris • Sep 29, 2017 at 7:13 pm
I feel sorry for whatever company hires this guy in the future. He’ll accuse the CEO of being racist inside a week of being hired, based on what the CEO had for lunch or some other asinine thing.
Really • Sep 29, 2017 at 10:33 pm
I mean can Taben function the real world? He’ll be like the guy on Varsity Blues who is 40 and always attends high school parties. But instead of parties it will be protests.
Really • Sep 29, 2017 at 10:34 pm
*function in the real world?
I support you • Sep 26, 2017 at 11:12 pm
Taben, thank you for your honest words. You’re doing a great job and proud that you are speaking out. What is happening is not okay. I totally support you and appreciate your sentiments.
Investigation • Sep 26, 2017 at 10:16 pm
Did staff in Human Resources investigate an allegation of sexual misconduct in the Athletic Department this past Spring semester? Who was involved and what was the outcome? It seems Bardo would have heard about the allegations and could share information.
Re: Investigations • Oct 2, 2017 at 2:46 pm
I don’t know if you’re referring to the Athletic Director, Darron Boatright? I think he was investigated for sexual misconduct against the women’s basketball coach, Jody Adams, who was let go in January this year. I heard that Human Resources learned of the incident from Jody’s lawyers when they negotiated her settlement. I’ve been told Human Resources investigated the allegations during the Spring semester but it doesn’t look like anything came of it because Darron Boatright is still the Athletic Director. Is that what you’re maybe referring to? Pretty shady.
Tex • Sep 26, 2017 at 9:01 pm
I love you the most, Wichita State. Looks like I win and kept it below 50 words—sometimes less is more.
Dude, you really need a hobby. This is so petty it’s sad and bordering the obsessive.
Steph • Sep 26, 2017 at 7:09 pm
I’m so sick of Taben’s whiney BS. Quit playing the race card and religion card. This is America, you can be whatever you want no matter your race or religion as long as you work hard. It’s why America is so great. Taben, put down the social justice warrior flag and pick up a text book.
Everyone's brave behind the curtain • Sep 26, 2017 at 7:05 pm
Taben keep sharing your story. So many others wish they could. The hateful, vicious ways you and others have been treated is appalling. The fact that WSU purports to be a place of education is a joke. I hope students vote with their feet and find another place for their education. Of course Bardo/Schlapp/Tomblin will just find more fake ways to move money around and play their infamous shell game with enrollment. Why aren’t their unethical practices investigated? Year after year they play with the numbers. People in the community see what you’re doing! And they don’t like it! Alumni and people in the business community need to band together and stand up to this hateful regime. This is NOT the Wichita State we all love.
Touché? • Sep 26, 2017 at 6:31 pm
Taben is righ about you guys. You all live up to his description of you. Touché? Keep talking. You look like fools.
Really • Sep 26, 2017 at 3:35 pm
Taben is such a beta male that if he were a Captain Planet character, he would be heart. The guy that’s gets in the way but thinks he serves a purpose.
Love • Sep 26, 2017 at 8:46 am
I am sure you loved having David Moses hire a private attorney from Kansas City to investigate past student leaders over a period of months with no findings or outcome or update that would be in line with a conduct process. You should also love how freedom of speech is used when it is convenient for some people but not for you and other students sharing concerns. Keep up the loving.
Really? • Sep 26, 2017 at 2:05 am
Taben,
You have every right to your opinion, as does anyone else at WSU. Simply because you may have philosophical differences with other students and faculty doesn’t allow you the right to openly defame and demean others because of those philosophical differences. If you truly stood for anything, you would respond and acknowledge others’ dissension with your beliefs rather than mocking, publicly shaming, and hiding behind your faith. A large number of students on campus have issues with your behavior and your now-lapsed privilege of position to silence anyone with which you may disagree. The way that you’ve taken criticism out of context, attributed motive that didn’t exist in that criticism, and have been completely incapable of responding to decent argument and rational thought proves exactly who you are. Insults don’t apply in debate, and are always the worst possible way of representing your position. People disagree with you and have issues with your ideologies. If they’re wrong, respond to them and tell them why they’re wrong. That’s how adults handle disagreement. Grow up.
When will WSU change? • Sep 26, 2017 at 5:11 pm
Well said.
Real Shocker • Sep 26, 2017 at 7:49 pm
How was that meeting with Student Conduct, Cale?
student conduct? • Sep 29, 2017 at 4:10 am
If what this person said was reported to student conduct, that seems crazy
I don’t know who Cale is, but if they were reported to student conduct by taben or one of his followers then they must’ve done something right! Seems like SJW taben is proving “Really’s” point because its probably that person who triggered taben that much who left that comment. can we just get back to getting an education?
Sad to be so ashamed of my school, but good to know that the majority of these commenters feel the same way i guess.
Jesse Allen • Sep 25, 2017 at 8:48 pm
Every insipid comment in response to this letter reifies why it was written.
Thank you, Taben.
Fake Joseph Shepard • Sep 26, 2017 at 4:27 am
You are missing the point: this letter was written because I am the victim here and the administration is out to get me and silence me! And even if they are not I plan on being melodramatic to make it seem like they are!
It was also written to distract from the fact I was watching cat videos during Student Government and Kansas Board of Regents meetings, where I also shopped for Star Wars shoes when the videos no longer kept my interest. What can I say other than everyone needs light up Star Wars shoes.
Thank you for looking out for me, Taben. And sleep easy my brother: Dr. Hall will not suspend you since you are not trying to rig the Student Government election to favour our good friend Tracia, so you have nothing to worry about!
Regards,
Fake Joseph Shepard, Fake Student Body President, Emeritus, Wichita State University
When will WSU change? • Sep 25, 2017 at 6:59 pm
I believe some of this is true, some of it is exaggerated or taken out of context, and all of it is classic passive aggressive Taben. Students and administration at Wichita State have a way of not ever being able to talk about anything of substance because they get caught up in rhetoric like this. The university is stuck in a cycle of mediocre, meaningless talk. Listen to each other and try to forgive. If not for the university, for your own mental health.
Fake Joseph Shepard • Sep 25, 2017 at 4:26 pm
Taben, my brother, this is an amazing idea! I have been having a hard time getting my bullying itch scratched since leaving Student Government and not being able to bully the Student Senators there, so this definitely helps! Next time feel free to affix my name along with yours! Brilliant as always my friend and brother.
Regards,
Fake Joseph Shepard, Fake Student Body President, Emeritus, Wichita State University
P.S. Text Tracia, maybe she can hook us up with some dank memes.
Fake Business Senator • Sep 26, 2017 at 12:50 pm
Taben,
We all know that social media doesn’t count as bullying, unless it is to help Paige win the election. But your criticisms of the university really hurts my feelings. Its not fair that you continue to use your voice! Didn’t you know that freedom of speech only applies to white cis men? we are the only ones who should be allowed to scream in senate meetings to interupt minority students and their concerns. otherwise we call the police on them. We are allowed to speak up and dismiss minority students. Didn’t you know that conservatism is more important than your entire livilihood? Stop being a big bully, shutup and just put up with the minority stress. Let us perpetuate racism, harass women, and benefit from the university in peace!
Phi Delt for lyfe!
#MAGA
-Former Fake Business Senator
PS. #IStandWithHungate
Hmm • Sep 26, 2017 at 3:51 pm
Just out of curiosity, can you please tell me when minority students have had their voices silenced? If it happened in a SGA meeting, then we could look at past notes of what took place during that meeting and see if the allegations are true. If it has happened during any other time on the university, how come I haven’t heard any stories about this? Just asking for a friend.
#hispanicmaleasking
Fake Joseph Shepard • Sep 26, 2017 at 4:54 pm
Help, I am being repressed by Fake Business Senator! The Administration is trying to silence me again! Must be time for another sit in, let me grab my megaphone.
#IStandWithFakeShepard
Regards,
Fake Joseph Shepard, Fake Student Body President, Emeritus, Wichita State University
SJW? • Sep 25, 2017 at 4:22 pm
Dear lord. Get the hell over it. You’re paying money to go to school, not to start a movement. People should be focusing more on their degree and succeeding in their classes. If these issues don’t affect your ability to perform in school, then stop making it such a big deal. stop being so sensitive.
"Doesn't Affect ME" • Sep 25, 2017 at 9:51 pm
Just because these issues do not affect your personal ability to perform in school, that does not mean that they are not issues that affect others. Don’t live inside your own bubble. Those of us who can look past ourselves appreciate those who are willing to put their reputation on the line to speak up.
Stands with Taben • Sep 26, 2017 at 7:12 am
I love when people TELL other folks how to feel about issues not important to them… let Taben tell his story.
Bitter much? • Sep 25, 2017 at 11:33 am
You *prove* Taben’s point.
Really • Sep 25, 2017 at 8:43 am
Taben, your hand must be tired from throwing that victim card everywhere.
Bitter much? • Sep 25, 2017 at 11:32 am
You obviously have some personal internal struggles/beef/bitterness against Taben. You kind of Taben’s point. You were most likely one of the people he happened to mention.
Slow clap. • Sep 25, 2017 at 2:42 am
That made me cry. Well, first I laughed so hard, and then I cried. I stand with you Taben.
…dude…get a lawyer right now…and make those bigots cry.