An open letter to MSU President Mark Keenum and Athletic Director John Cohen

I am writing this letter in regards to the recent tweet message written by the new Mississippi State University football coach, Mr. Mike Leach. I am writing to communicate my expectations that Coach Leach be terminated from his position as head football coach and as an employee of Mississippi State University.

The tweet message written by Coach Leach was blatantly racist and overtly hateful towards the African American community. The comment of the newly hired coach is not simply insensitive in our state, it is obviously offensive to millions of people regardless of race throughout our nation. There is no denying, and it is a widely understood fact, that a noose denotes lynching and the horrific mistreatment of African Americans. The depiction of a noose is not, and never will be, acceptable.

Personally, I will always take a stand against the mistreatment of others and any oppressive statements or actions toward any group. It is also my expectation that institutions stand for what is right and just. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to injustice everywhere.”

As a Mississippi State alumna and supporter of the athletic program, I have held season tickets for many football and basketball seasons and have attended football, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s baseball, women’s softball, and women’s soccer games, and track and field competitions over the years. Without the termination of Coach Mike Leach, I will no longer support Mississippi State University athletics.

Without the termination of Coach Mike Leach, I will no longer initiate tours and visits to the Mississippi State campus.

Without the termination of Coach Mike Leach, I will no longer encourage others to attend Mississippi State University. I would certainly not want my personal children, grandchildren, nor students to be exposed to, at the least, a man who has openly displayed racist oppression, and, more importantly, to be connected with an institution that would allow an employee to remain on campus as an influence over others.

Perhaps this letter will have no effect on a decision made on the campus of Mississippi State University, but I can assure you, the decision to terminate or not terminate Coach Mike Leach will affect my future connection with my alma mater.

Sue Craddieth

Columbus

The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.

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