I have been, at various times in my life, an Ateneo scholar, a donor to the Ateneo Scholarship Fund, and a fundraiser for the Ateneo Scholarship Fund. That the ASF chose to celebrate their 40th anniversary in this fashion -- and in so doing, wilfully associate the Ateneo de Manila University with a family that plundered an estimated $10Billion from the countrys coffers, and under whose regime thousands of Filipinos disappeared or were killed for their opposition to the government, is unacceptable to me. I am appalled that the Ateneo Scholarship Fund -- who organised the event -- are staying silent, and allowing the public to heap all blame on the Ateneo de Manila University (of which the ASF is *not* an official unit), and on the universitys officials. I believe that the university itself made a serious error in judgment by not absolutely rejecting the plan to invite Mrs. Marcos to the event. I am disappointed to see the photos; and upset to see that the university is taking all the brickbats, while the ASF does not step forward to own the decisions, or offer any names to take responsibility. I accept Fr. Jetts apology. I have always known him to be of unimpeachable integrity. I know this is not a unique error -- other venerable institutions (Harvard, Oxford, LSE...) have made similar mistakes. Disturbing, disappointing, but as someone who does not have the benefit of all the relevant information, and who has never been in Fr. Jetts shoes, I cannot judge him any more harshly than surely he must view the entire situation. I have lost respect for, and trust in, the ASF. That a look at the Board of Trustees suggests an association with the Marcos family does nothing to reassure me that this was an honest mistake on their part. I will continue to support the university, but will find a channel that does not involve the ASF, at least until I see a decent demonstration of trustworthiness and honour. I think this was a discussion worth having, and I am glad to be reminded that we must fight daily, in our personal capacities, against the evils of oppression, corruption and an inability to learn from our history. #neveragain
Posted on: Mon, 07 Jul 2014 11:59:00 +0000
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