Forum addresses Bank One t-shirt controversy

Officials from Bank One and the University of Louisville addressed students, faculty and staff at a forum last Tuesday dedicated to explaining and apologizing for an overtly racist t-shirt that was part of a Bank One credit card solicitation at the Student Activities Center.

The t-shirt, which read "Ten Reasons Why a Beer is Better Than a Black Man," has generated loads of controversy on a campus already infamous for its racial tension. The t-shirt was displayed on Thursday, January 30.

"On behalf of Bank One and its 73,000 employees across the country, we are here to apologize," Bank one president Dennis Heishman said as the forum began. Heishman sat at the front of the Red Barn as part of a panel, which also included executive vice president of Bank One's credit card division Tom Kerwin and two other Bank One officials. Bank One media representatives and public relations officials also comprised about one-fourth of the roughly 150 people present.

Acting U of L provost Shirley Willinghanz was also on hand, roaming through the crowd and answering questions whenever appropriate. She opened the discussion with a formal apology to the students.

Kerwin attempted to articulate Bank One's position in the controversy, saying that the t-shirt was a remnant of an earlier ad campaign which simply featured the Bank One logo on both sides, and that whoever is responsible for the t-shirts simply silk-screened the offensive logo onto the already-existing shirts.

"We would never condone this kind of behavior," he said. "We're proud of our relationship with U of L, and we are upset and angry that this relationship could be jeopardized."

Coincidentally, the contract between Bank One and the U of L Alumni Association is up for renewal right now. According to spokeswoman Rae Goldsmith, the Alumni Association is currently taking bids.

2 comments

Your name

Wed Nov 18 2009 09:44

a) This was published six years ago. A lot has changed since then, thanks to the work of U of L's resources like the Cultural Center and Diversity Programs.
b) Just because you haven't personally experienced a certain thing doesn't mean anyone else who has is wrong or a liar.

/sigh

Sat Nov 14 2009 09:25

"on a campus already infamous for its racial tension."

I'd like to know what campus the author is referring too. In my four years at U of L, I haven't witnessed a single race-related incident. That's not to say that there aren't racists that go to U of L. Having lived in KY for six years I've met a number of white and black people who are racist towards each other. So I'm sure some racists are bound to be at U of L. However, I haven't seen or heard of anything that could even remotely justify the author's comment that's quoted above.

This is a clear case of irresponsible journalism. That comment without something to back it up is only meant to inflame people into thinking there's some type of serious race problem at U of L when there clearly isn't.

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