As you know, because I often mention it and not withstanding "To Kill a Mocking Bird", I view the American justice system with extreme wariness. However, regular as clockwork it defies my expectations. Thus it is with the recent case of Gibson Bakery vs. Oberlin College. In essence, an old established bakery situated close to a rather smart but provincial college was subject to constant pilfering by the students and one day a staff member attempted a citizens' arrest on one of the students. There then ensued a campaign with menacing overtones against the bakery by the students, encouraged by the Dean of Students, who claimed racial harassment. This campaign was aided and abetted by the college authorities. Happily, this old, family-owned business decided to fight back and sued for damages. The case has just ended its main phase and a jury having heard all the evidence has awarded the bakers $11 million in damages! The jury will now sit to decide on the "punitive damages" which some experts reckon could reach another $22 million!
Simply too, too delicious and you can read all about it at the impeccably politically correct WaPo which must have given their editors severe heartburn! I wonder if Hollywood will make a film of it starring who-ever is today's equivalent of Gregory Peck? Don't hold your breath waiting!
An excellent article - thank you.
I loved the accusation of "racial insensitivity", as if the proper and polite way to deal with young black professionals is to turn a blind eye to their pilfering. While the racial grievance merchants remain in authority, we are guaranteed a criminal underclass
Posted by: Whyaxye | Monday, 10 June 2019 at 16:32
I so look forward to CNN's Don Lemon expounding on this! Perhaps he'll be inviting Jussie Smollet onto a discussion panel?
With maybe even MSNBC's Al Sharpton!
Better set my recording 'do flicker thingy' ...
Posted by: JK | Monday, 10 June 2019 at 17:39
I have been following this case on Legal Insurrection blog. The conduct of Oberlin and its students is the very worst in identity politics. The 11 million will be in addition to the damages phase coming this week. Academia needs to take note while they can.
Posted by: Whitewall | Monday, 10 June 2019 at 19:32
Academia today is infested with administrators and staff like these people:
https://legalinsurrection.com/2019/06/oberlin-colleges-identity-crisis-led-to-its-gibson-bakery-train-wreck/
Not just the US either.
Posted by: Whitewall | Monday, 10 June 2019 at 19:37
This sad story is why I have always been sceptical about funding university students who want a cushy life from my tax. Two years nationalservice should be compulsory before entering university.
Posted by: Jimmy Glesga | Monday, 10 June 2019 at 20:40
Thanks for that link, Whiters, I read an earlier 'legalinsurrection' report on the case. It's bedtime 'over here' so I will try and work my way through that even longer report tomorrow.
Ah yes, Jimmy, National Service'! Can you imagine how some of the 'snow flakes' would cope with that these days?
Posted by: David Duff | Monday, 10 June 2019 at 22:28
As stated previously, my background is in science and engineering; however, in my latter career I specialised in quality and process efficiency. I understand that many universities are now suffering from a shortage of funds and that the majority of these specialise in the softer studies. In order to save them money I recommend that they merge subjects such as “Gender Studies”, “Black Culture Studies” and a myriad of others which I am sure you can name, under the generic name “Grievance Studies”. The saving in staff overheads would be immense with zero loss of quality.
Posted by: Wigner’s Friend | Tuesday, 11 June 2019 at 04:31
An well. It's an ill wind.
At least the students will have learned something.
Posted by: Doonhamer | Friday, 14 June 2019 at 17:00