BOOK 'EM, DANO!!! U.Va. Bookstore Gets Busted for Political Bias

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The stated mission of the University of Virginia Bookstore is (abridged):

"...the timely and accurate ordering, receipt, and display of course materials for classroom use... (and to) provide merchandise to support student life at the University... (T)his merchandise ranges from school supplies that assist students, faculty and staff in achieving their academic and professional goals to dorm and apartment furnishings, and accessories that meet student’s residential needs and enhance their enjoyment of life at the University."

"The Bookstore also offers imprinted merchandise that portrays the University in a positive light and engenders school spirit and identity among students, faculty, the community and alumni... (B)asing its retailing practices on the sound business and ethical principles articulated by the University and the National Association of College Stores..."

This certainly sounds like a great mission --- and one that Thomas Jefferson would be proud of.

HOWEVER...

... do the following items that are on sale every day at the U.Va. bookstore conform to --- or contrast with --- this stated mission?
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(Pictures taken of items purchased at the U.Va. Bookstore, August 2006... continued below)

These are but some of the many, many anti-Bush, anti-Republican merchandise being prominently promoted for sale at the U.Va. Bookstore as students were returning (or entering) for the 2006 Fall Semester, and are still on sale as of February 2007 (It should also be noted that none of these items are featured on the Bookstore's website)


As U.Va. prides itself on being "diverse, inclusive and respectful" of people with different beliefs, etc., where, you may ask, were the anti-Democrat, anti-Clinton (Hillary or Bubba), anti-Ted Kennedy (a U.Va. alumnus), anti-leftist novelty items and books?

******** crickets *********



That's right --- there was absolutely NO other political paraphanalia on sale anywhere in the bookstore; it was exclusively limited to anti-Bush, anti-Republican items.


At times like this, it's worth remembering one of Thomas Jefferson's maxims:

"To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors, is sinful and tyrannical."

- Bill for Religious Freedom, 1779 (2:545)

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This is the detailed account of a U.Va. alumnus' (Economics, 1961) discovery in fall 2006 of the Bookstore's betrayal of its stated mission, and the U.Va. administration's stubborn refusal to stop merchandising political propaganda of any kind --- regardless of who or what is being targeted.

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The following is in a Q&A format between the UVa-Watch Editor and the alumnus (A) who provided this information (who wishes to remain anonymous, for now).

How and when did you first become aware of this situation?

(A) First off, I just want to say that I am an alumnus of and a huge fan of U.Va., and on a regular basis, I visit the Bookstore to buy logo-themed clothes and other items.

During such a visit, on July 28, 2006, I found a large display near the main check-out area, that was devoted exclusively to anti-Bush, anti-Republican Party materials, including books and various novelty items. Other such items were displayed nearby, on revolving racks. Curious, I looked to see if there were any pro-Bush, or anti-Democrat Party, or anti-left merchandise, and found none.

These materials were offensive to my political beliefs, and in my opinion, were excessively demeaning to the offices of the President & Vice President, regardless of their party affiliation.


What did you do to express these concerns?

(A) I expressed my concerns to the Bookstore Manager, Mr. Larry Norem, and requested that these items be removed. He said he would refer the matter to his superior, Mr. Jon Kates, the Bookstore's Executive Director.

Having heard nothing for two weeks, on August 11, I called Mr. Kates and left a message on his voicemail, saying that the materials were deleterious, offensive, and neither "tongue-in-cheek" nor humorous. I told him that the items appear to state U.Va.'s political stance vis-a-vis the Bush administration, that it is not U.Va.'s place to do this, and that such materials have no place in a U.Va.-owned and -operated bookstore, given that it is a publicly-funded state school.

Later that day, Mr. Kates called back and left a message for me with my wife, stating that he "appreciates its seriousness, is seeking guidance from senior U.Va. administration," and that he will call me back the following week. He then asked for and was given my e-mail address, "in case someone wants to answer in writing."

On August 22, unable to reach Mr. Kates, I left a message on his voicemail, and said that as I have heard nothing from him since August 11, I assumed that the goods were still on display. I told him that if I did not hear back about the matter that same day, I would buy samples of the merchandise I found so offensive, and deliver same to Mr. John Casteen (pictured, right), U.Va.'s President, with another request for their removal.

Later that day, Mr. Kates called back, spoke to my wife, and again requested and was given my e-mail address. Soon thereafter, I again called Kates' voicemail telling him I would await his e-mail response.

Still later that day, I received an e-mail response from Mr. Richard Kovatch, U.Va. Associate Vice President for Business Operations, indicating that he had discussed the matter with Mr. Leonard Sandridge, U.Va. Executive Vice President, which contained in its entirety the following:

Jon Kates, the Executive Director of the University's bookstore has brought your concerns about the display of the President Bush novelty items in the bookstore to my attention. I have reviewed the items in question and have also discussed your concerns with the University's Executive Vice President, Leonard Sandridge.

Although we respect your opinion regarding these items, it is our opinion that these novelty items are neither degrading or disrespectful of the President or the presidency. It is our conclusion that the merchandise is in keeping with playful lampooning to which all public figures are subject and is no different from products that the Bookstore has displayed during past administrations, Democrat and Republican alike. The University's bookstore is apolitical.

We regret that you have found these items to be offensive but we do appreciate your comments as it has given us the opportunity to reflect on a matter that should be of significance to all of us.

Sincerely,

Richard Kovatch
Associate Vice President for Business Operations

What was your first reaction to this email from Mr. Kovatch?

(A) Well, I was really, really aghast. I felt certain that their reply would be, "Thanks for pointing this out to us. We will be removing the materials immediately."

I think it's worth exploring the definition of "apolitical," as Mr. Kovatch (a senior administrator in one of the world's premier universities) used that term:

"apolitical": (1) having no interest or involvement in political affairs; also: having an aversion to politics or political affairs; (2) having no political significance

Over the next several hours, I wrote and emailed a very detailed response to Mr. Kovatch. I then personally delivered copies of Mr. Kovatch's email to me, and my emailed response to him, to President Casteen's office, with a handwritten note asking that he (1) look into this matter, and (2) order the immediate removal of these items.

The following is the body of the email I sent to Mr. Kovatch on August 22:

Dear Mr. Kovatch,

This mail is in response to yours of today.

It is hard to believe that Leonard Sandridge, presumably having actually seen the articles in question, could conclude that such are "novelty items (that) are neither degrading or (nor) disrespectful of the President or the presidency", are "in keeping with (the) playful lampooning" to which all public figures are subjected and are no different from products that the bookstore has displayed during past administrations encompassing both parties. (Not incidentally, in spite of what you say, I don't ever recall seeing like items in the bookstore during the Clinton years.)

Moreover, I find Mr. Sandridge's apparent position completely at odds with your ludicrous statement: "The University's bookstore is apolitical." In fact, the very presence of the items in question that are typical of the "hate Bush" stance of many Democrats indicates that the University bookstore and therefore, by association, the University, itself, is the opposite of apolitical. The conclusion is simply unavoidable.

But there is a much more important reason why I initially raised the question regarding the presence of such goods and it is, very simply, this: These types of items, whether they are anti Republican, anti Democrat or, in fact, anti any political or religious faction, group, party or organization have no place in a bookstore or any other University owned and operated entity. Let the University always provide a forum for free speech, but when it comes to the actual proffering thereof, our University should be a pillar of neutrality.

I must say that I firmly believe that no thinking person, regardless of his or her political beliefs and affiliations could possibly physically view these items that are in our University's bookstore and conclude that such are examples of "playful lampooning" and that when it comes right down to it, not conclude that these items are indeed disgusting, disrespectful, disrupting and insulting and therefore, by definition, should never, say again, never be displayed in a University owned and operated facility. If I, as a parent, viewed such items in the bookstore accompanied by my newly matriculating son or daughter, I would, at the one time, be surprised, disappointed and appalled and I would be given cause to wonder if the people who lead the University of Virginia fully understand the words "impressionable and vulnerable" as they apply to kids who are only a few years beyond puberty.

You have stated the position of the University regarding the items in question at least as far up the ladder as Mr. Sandridge. Unfortunately, your collective stubbornness, downright shortsightedness and obviously skewed views shall cause me to state unequivocally that I am totally disappointed with your response to my request.

Again, I ask you to remove these items from the bookstore immediately.

Very truly yours,

(Signature)

cc by e-mail to Mr. Leonard Sandridge

What happened next?

(A) In antcipation of having to validate the specifics of my contentions, I went to the Bookstore and purchased many of the offensive items that I'd observed, took them home, and photographed them. As I had no further use for them, I took them all back to the Bookstore and got a refund.

Then, having heard nothing from President Casteen, I called his office on August 31 and was referred to Ms. Nancy Rivers, his Chief of Staff. She said my inquiry was "under review and it's best I ask our [U.Va.'s] General Counsel to respond... so, either they will respond to you or I will." She then said "I'm not in a position to discuss this matter further with you at present," and added that while U.Va. "appreciates my feedback and expression of opinion," that "they [U.Va.] get much of such and review it all," and that "you should await our response."

Checking the bookstore periodically and finding that the inventory in question was being restocked on a timely basis, I waited until September 12 to call Ms. Rivers. I left a message on her voicemail, saying that I felt the almost three weeks (since August 22) was sufficient time for the courtesy of a response, and lacking same very soon, I'd just have to rachet up this project.

The next day, Ms. Rivers called and said that "Mr. Kovatch's August 22 email states U.Va.'s position" re my request, and that "the materials will not be removed." She said that U.Va. respects my opinion, position, etc.

I told her that U.Va.'s response would force me to do what I didn't want to do: to take the matter beyond the sphere of U.Va., at which point I would lose control and U.Va. could suffer harmful publicity. I mentioned some steps such as contacting U.Va.'s Board of Visitors, Fred Barnes (U.Va. alumnus, Editor of The Weekly Standard, and a Fox News commentator), the Washington Times, Virginia state and federal elected officials, U.Va. alumni, and possibly even setting up a web page.

Ms. Rivers' response was, "You wouldn't threaten us [U.Va.], would you?" I assured her that what I said was not a threat. It was merely a list of steps that, unfortunately, I might have to take in order to get Mr. Casteen or Mr. Sandridge to make one phone call instructing all U.Va. Bookstore locations to remove all such items (without regard to political party orientation), and to never display such materials again.

I then asked her if either she or Mr. Casteen had seen the politically-oriented merchandise in question. Ms. Rivers said "No."

She said that I could further discuss the matter with Mr. Sandridge, but I pointed out that, since he had already consulted with Mr. Kovatch prior to his (Kovatch's) sending me the August 22 email, such a discussion probably wouldn't be productive. Ms. Rivers said she would be seeing Mr. Sandridge later that day, would speak with him about our conversation, and would call me afterwards.

On September 18, having heard nothing in response, I called Ms. Rivers and left a message on her voicemail, for her to call me back. As I had not received a call back, on September 20, I again called Ms. Rivers, and left still another voicemail, asking for a definitive answer: a final "yes or no" as to whether the items I found so offensive would be removed, or not.

On September 21, Ms. Rivers left a message on my voicemail, stating the following:

"I have conferred with Mr. Sandridge and Mr. Casteen and U.Va.'s decision is as stated*. That is the University's position. Call if you have questions."

*Referring to the position stated by Mr. Kovatch in his August 22 email to me, contained above.

That sounds like a pretty definitive "no," that they are not going to remove the anti-Bush, anti-Republican items that started this whole clash.

(A) It was. But I refused to give up. If U.Va. would not see the reason and justification in my request, perhaps they'd take it more seriously if they heard from other alumni. So I began to contact U.Va. classmates of mine, to get their reaction, which was uniformly positive. One even went so far as to write an email to Mr. Kovatch on November 11, echoing my request. Mr. Kovatch's email response was (in its entirety - a direct cut & paste):

Thank you for your email and I appreciate hearing from you. I understand the concerns you raised and welcome your comments regarding the novelty items being sold in the University Bookstore. These items while humorous are not intended to be disrespectful of President Bush or be an attack on the dignity of the Office of the President.

Thank you again for your e-mail and your very thoughtful comments.

Richard Kovatch

It sounds like you have been through quite an ordeal. Has this experience taught you anything, or changed your view of the University of Virginia?

(A) I wouldn't call it an ordeal. It's been more like an unpleasant eye-opener to the political ideology of those who run the University. My feeling of kinship with U.Va. as an institution hasn't diminished one iota.

What has diminished, almost to the point of disappearing, is my respect for Mr. Casteen and rest of the small cadre that sits atop U.Va's executive administration.

So where do you go from here? What can people --- particuarly U.Va. alumni and Virginia taxpayers --- do to make their voices heard on this controversy?

First, I hope that all who have read what has been said above and have looked at the photos will agree that merchandise like this should never be displayed, much less be displayed for sale, in any area or building that is in any way under the control of a publicly funded institution such as U.Va.

Further, I hope that all will join me in pursuing a very simple goal that is intended to bring about the prohibition of such displays: U.Va. must publish a policy which shall entail the immediate and permanent removal from all U.Va.-owned and/or -operated facilities, not just the Bookstore, of all political or religious items of a non-educational nature.

Put another way, it's high time that U.Va. starts to live by its Bookstore's mission statement and, for that matter, its own diversity mission statement.

Would the adoption of such a policy solve all the problems that have been pointed out in the Bush/Bookstore saga? Unlikely, but the adoption would certainly be a giant step toward helping those who run U.Va. to be constantly reminded that political or religious favoritism or bias on the part of U.Va., real or perceived, surely skews the notion of what Mr. Jefferson would have defined as being a classical liberal arts education into that which is not such.

Doing your part in keeping U.Va.on the track of political and religious neutrality is easy: just call or, better yet, send an email to each of the three people listed below. Be sure to mention that you are concerned about the presence of anti-Bush/Republican Party merchandise in the U.Va. Bookstore and, for that matter, any political or religious item unless it is absolutely, without any question, strictly of educational nature, having no conceivable political or religious bias, be it positive or negative (click names for direct email access):

Mr. Thomas F. Farrell, II
U.Va. Rector and Chair of the Board of Visitors Executive Committee
Phone: 804-819-2112

Mr. John T. Casteen, III
President
Phone: 434-924-3337

Mr. Leonard W. Sandridge
Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer
Phone: 434-924-3252

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NOTE: Keep an eye on this blog for updates as they occur.

It's up to YOU to help correct this situation, once and for all.

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Original content is © Copyright 2006 by Jon Quixote. Email to jonquix@hotmail.com