Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

[Abby Tassel <>]

Thank you Carmen for sharing the Ray Rice story!

Having done some work with Ted Bunch and Tony Porter, I was shocked at what they were saying.  So after almost falling off my chair, I wrote a quick, anger-fueled e-mail to them expressing complete outrage at their position.  Ted Bunch responded immediately and he and I just had a quick chat.  Thanks to the strong and quick response from so many, they see how problematic their position was and have put out this apology:

We have been in deep reflection since our recent interview with ESPN about Ray Rice and his potential return to the NFL. After hearing from so many of you who lead the work of the domestic and sexual violence movement and have supported A CALL TO MEN, as well as our own soul searching, we realize we were wrong to independently endorse Rice's second chance at his football career.  We took action without consulting the community that we are so privileged to work for and with, and without thoughtfully considering the impact of our endorsement. We also irresponsibly characterized Rice's actions as a "mistake."  We have worked tirelessly alongside you to educate the public that domestic violence is not a mistake. Men's violence against women is a choice rooted in patriarchy and sexism, used to gain power and control over another person. We were blinded by the possibility of making a difference in a young Black man's life who could potentially teach other young men about the impact and consequences of their choices. After intimate conversations with the Rice family, we were also overwhelmed with hope for them.  We acted without upholding our own principle of having systems of accountability to ALL women. As men who strive to be supportive allies to women, we are aware that good intentions are not enough, and we recognize and accept that male entitlement played a role in our decision to not consult those most impacted by our stance - women and more specifically, women of color. We apologize to survivors, our partners, our board, our staff and ALL women. We take full responsibility for our statements and actions.  We recommit to be more vigilant about including survivors and those most marginalized in our ongoing work as we strive to create a world where ALL men and boys are loving and respectful, and ALL women and girls are valued and safe. To all who have been courageous and thoughtful in holding us accountable, we thank you.   Ted Bunch and Tony Porter Founders of A CALL TO MEN     250 Merrick Road, 813, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 www.acalltomen.org

In unity,

Abby

 

Abby Tassel, Assistant Director

WISE Program Center at 38 Bank St. Lebanon, NH 03766

24 Hour Crisis Line: 866.348.9473

Office: 603.448.5922 ext.102

www.WISEuv.org  www.facebook.com/WISEuv @WISEuv

Visit our NEW website, www.WISEuv.org 

 

From: Hotvedt, Carmen [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2015 4:34 PM
To:
Subject: Ray Rice deserves second chance, says anti-violence group

 

How are folks responding to this? 

 

The co-founders of A Call To Men, a national organization that encourages men to end violence against women, are advocating that former Ravens running back Ray Rice be given a second chance in the NFL.

 

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13324986/ex-baltimore-raven-ray-rice-deserves-2nd-chance-says-anti-violence-group

 

 

Carmen Hotvedt
Assistant Director for Violence Prevention (EVOC)
University Health Services
UW-Madison

End Violence On Campus
EVOC Change.  EVOC Equality.  EVOC Respect.