Turn Left, the student newspaper for which Nathan Poffenbarger, who allegedly stabbed a Union College student last weekend, wrote has issued a statement condemning racist or violent actions, and at the same time stating that Poffenbarger had “absolutely no propensity for violence or racism.” The full statement is reproduced below:

As most of you are aware, there was a serious incident late Friday night on West Campus. A black male Union College student was stabbed just outside of the Baker Tower archway by a white male Cornell student, who had allegedly been yelling racial slurs prior to the stabbing. The victim is currently reported to be in stable condition at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira.

We also regret to inform the TL community that the suspect in the stabbing– Nathan Poffenbarger ‘07– is a member of the Turn Left news staff. He has reportedly turned himself in to the local authorities, and he will be arraigned in the coming days. Nathan joined Turn Left’s news staff last fall, and since then, he has written two news articles and one feature article for the paper. According to TL editors and staff members who had worked with Nathan, he had shown absolutely no propensity for violence or racism.

As always, Turn Left condemns any racist or violent actions, and we are saddened to see that racially-motivated violence is still present in our society, even among people who ostensibly oppose such bigotry. TL also extends its most heartfelt sympathies for the victim, and wishes him a safe and speedy recovery.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,
Evan Marshak, Editor-in-Chief, and Wayne Huang, Editor Emeritus
www.cuturnleft.org

The statement is perplexing because it (1) assumes that the stabbing was a hate-crime, (2) assumes the guilt of Poffenbarger, and (3) continues to support in some measure an individual that they clearly believe is guilty of a violent hate-crime. In particular, the statement reads disingenuously in the last paragraph, which begins “As always,” as if Turn Left were merely repeating the words that public sympathy and politics demand, without any real feeling. Yet, an insincere apology is better than none.

5 Responses to “Cornell Turn Left Denounces Nathan Poffenbarger”

1. D says:

   2/23/2006 at 3:23 pm

   Even more perplexing is Cornell Democrats issuing a statement denouncing him and saying he is not a member of their organization. Actually I don’t really want to see how the American reacts (next issue) – I expect much journalistically irresponsible vilifying.

   Reply
2. Justin Davis says:

   2/23/2006 at 3:34 pm

   Elliot,

   Please work on your Java homework and keep out of the poilitics. Leave it for those who actually know what they are talking about. You seem to personify an angry white person who feels that you have been wronged. I have never heard of you before. Figures… you are such a lame duck. In any reagrd you will be graduating soon so I encourage you to let go of Cornell and figure out some software game… or better yet why don’t you go watch episodes of star wars you nerd. (lol) What a whiney little man.

   peace and stop the war in the middle east,

   Justin Davis
   Elliot’s new nightmare.

   Reply
3. andy guess says:

   2/24/2006 at 11:32 am

   Justin,

   Are we really supposed to consider you a serious student leader after this diatribe? Elliott, in doing his “Java homework,” is at least schooled in logic. You apparently believe you “know what [you] are talking about,” but I’m not sure what makes you more qualified — your race?

   People who consider themselves experts at Cornell race relations are partially responsible for the despicable campus climate they tacitly encourage, one that periodically degenerates into fragmented, warring factions. I can’t wait to see what Black Perspectives comes up with.

   Maybe Cornell students should stop following self-proclaimed leaders and start speaking for themselves. Come to think of it, that’s exactly what the author of this blog is doing.

   andy

   Reply
4. Mathew says:

   6/21/2006 at 2:39 am

   Elliot, i think you are doing a fine job (although i have to say that girl who told you to stop making out or w/e, you went a little o.d.)
   please continue to post occasionally

   Reply
5. Justin Davis says:

   9/3/2007 at 3:16 pm

   andy et al.

   the more you talk the worse you get. its more than a year later and still you are not changing anything. none of you are. BSU has grown to be one the best orgs on campus. and this blog has failed cause even after a year nothing has been said, no solution proposed and yet so much bitching to be done. wow some of you neocons and rightwingers get worse every year. i think its called the george bush effect (lol) have fun doing nothing and be careful i might be your boss one day

   Reply