Response to letter from history and African American studies faculty

Emailed February 18, 2013

Dear Leslie, [Leslie Harris, Winship Distinguished Research Professor in the Humanities]

This letter is both firm and gracious.  I, too, regret my reference to the three fifths compromise and am sorry for the injury and insult that has resulted from my use of it.  As you and your colleagues have generously allowed, it was not my intent to offend or insult. Doing so was the result of mistaken judgment and of insensitivity. Emory deserves better, and I look forward to growing along with our community as we resume and in some cases redouble our efforts in those programs underway to continue building the safe, respectful, inquiry-driven, ethically engaged, and diverse community toward which we aspire.

I accept your criticisms as being well deserved and with all humility.

Sincerely,
Jim