University of Virginia Library

Lifelong Stigma

In reply to Mr. Couper's letter
(which is typical of the attitudes of
too many others), it is sad that his
only purpose is to ridicule Mr.
Capobianco rather than examine his
statements open-mindedly and
present reasons for disagreement.
Mr. Capobianco brings out the
primary issue concerning the debate
over the Honor System — whether
we are justified in invoking the
ultimate punishment on alleged
offenders — dismissal. It is, though,
equally sad that Mr. Capobianco
carries his thesis to the absurd.

A dismissal for an honor offense
(recorded on one's permanent
record) carries with it a lifelong
stigma. What decent college will
admit or what company will hire
such a person? A guilty verdict can,
in effect, ruin the rest of one's life!
Is this just punishment for
momentarily glancing at another's
paper under the pressure of a final
exam in a moment of panic and
being too afraid to admit such a
mistake? After all, we can lie for
liquor. (Let us recall Mr.
Capobianco's reference to a system
of convenience.) This is nothing
buy hypocrisy in the name of
honor. Let us deal with the
situation as does society — into
which we are dismissing our
undesirables and into which we
must immigrate upon graduation —
and impose a penalty fitting the
crime. Cheating on a final exam
could be dealt with by imposing a
grade of 'O' on the paper, for
instance. No indeed, it is not
necessary (or desirable) to do away
with the Honor System.

The greatest deed one can do in
life is to help others by solving their
problems, not by ignoring and
barricading oneself from them! By
placing alleged offenders out of
our midst to create for us an ideal,
trouble-free atmosphere is not only
a demonstration of aloofness but of
viciousness and disregard for
others! Let us show mercy and look
for the good rather than the bad in
people and we may succeed in
creating our ideal atmosphere
without harming others. Thank
you.