This doesn’t just affect Jason Harris it affects all sport whip cracking. You need to write the college’s president Dr. Mitchell and tell him that this ban is crazy. It will take less than a minute to speak up for sport whip cracking. You can write you own email or simply copy the one below and send it to: dmitchell@olympic.eduBullwhips are no longer allowed on campus after an email complaint from a professor about the historical use of whips and their meaning to her as well as other students.
OC student Jason Harris’ whip cracking was brought to the attention of OC’s President, Dr. David Mitchell as well as all OC faculty and staff through an email from professor Karen Bolton. She said she felt offended by the recreational practice because of the historical context of the whip and it’s origins in slavery.
“Being a person of color, it literally made me feel sick to my stomach,” said Bolton in the email, “that whip has symbolism.”
The issue was addressed in an open forum Thursday, March 14. Members of the OC community expressed their opinions for both sides of the issue. Counseling Staff John Babbo and Anthony Carson facilitated the forum and President Mitchell, who called for the forum, also attended. The issue was discussed from both a dangerous weapons and racial standpoint in relation to the email.
“Whips are a hobby for me,” said Harris, “this is not something I practice and think of any particular time in history.”
Harris utilized the open field on the Bremerton campus to practice because he does not have adequate practice room at home. Harris was present at the forum and offered his apologies about the escalation of the issue.
“It was very unexpected,” said Harris, “the response that this incident got.”
The student conduct code can be found in the Washington Administrative Code website section 132C-120-065. The WAC, does not directly address the use of whips, but does say any use of a dangerous weapon that can be used to inflict harm on people is subject to disciplinary action. However chapter 9.41 of the Revised code of Washington does not classify a whip as a dangerous weapon.
“In my mind, I am thinking, this guy has a weapon!,” said Bolton in the email, “someone should take action.”
Ed Call, director of OC safety and security, said Harris contacted campus security officer Eric Hill and asked if he could practice on campus. Security officers observed his practice carefully before determining he was not a threat to the safety of students.
“We were watching and observing to make sure he was practicing in a safe manner,” said Call, “a whip specifically is not deemed a dangerous weapon by RCW.”
President Mitchell contacted assistant Attorney General Bruce Marvin, a figure with legal authority, who supports the notion that a whip is a liability. Whips will no longer be allowed on campus.
“CLEARLY our college needs leadership on this issue, and I am asking for you (Dr. Mitchell) to step forward and take care of this,” said Bolton.
Dr. Mitchell,
I just read an article about your college banning Sport Whip Cracking on its campus. I think the Professor Bolton’s objection to its “historical” use is misinformed. For example fire hoses, baseball bats and even laws have been used to HISTORICALLY against black people, are you considering banning those? I bet you can find an attorney that will tell you all of those have liability issues for your campus, but you aren’t banning baseball or fire hydrants. I’m going to bet that baseball injuries cost your campus more per capita than whip injuries. So the liability argument is very short sighted.
Jason Harris did the proper thing by contacting campus security and getting approval from them and they determined he was doing it in a safe manner. I urge you to reconsider this ban…or possibly work out a solution. For example allowing him to reserve time at racquetball court.
