In a surprising email to the entire campus today, Acting President Susan Kress spoke out against the anonymous commentary on Danny Pforte 12′s weekly Skidnews Column. Kress writes,

Much of what is currently being transmitted in the online postings of the Skidmore News is neither respectful nor open.  In some cases, the commentary has shifted from reasoned and passionate argument to personal attacks that have been received as indirect or direct threats.  Most troubling is that many of these comments have been posted anonymously, a choice that chills the climate and obstructs the honest and civil exchange of ideas and arguments.

Pforte’s column, which weekly tops SkidNews’s Most Commented list,  has sparked some serious discussion on campus the internet about privilege, reverse racism and anonymity on campus. I encourage you to carefully read over the comments on his work.

I shouldn’t need to reiterate my position on anonymous commenting but I was surprised by Kress’ email, it isn’t often you see College Presidents stepping directly into student matters like this.  Of course, as we know from Kress’ personal response to the editorials of Carl Strock in the Schenectady Daily Gazette, she isn’t afraid to show her face on matters like these.

(Kress’ entire email after the jump)

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