Press Release: Statement on "Is love colour-blind?"

An official statement released by VARSITY newspaper with regards to "Is love colour-blind?"

I wish to issue an apology to those who have taken offence to the article published on April 2nd, 2013 titled "Is love colour-blind?" The intention was to create a platform for UCT students to engage with a topic that is still prevalent in South Africa.

I formally retract the title of the pie chart, "UCT votes on the most attractive race" as this was not a formal "survey" conducted by the University of Cape Town (see below). It is important to note that the pie chart should be read in conjunction with the article and not as a separate assessment.

I emphasise that the "survey" conducted by the writer was for her personal insight and not that of a definitive, scholarly analysis. It was intended as a social commentary on the society in which she resides.

The article was published in the Opinions section of the newspaper and therefore, as our online disclaimer states, the opinions expressed in this section is not necessarily that of VARSITY newspaper.

I am aware of the controversy surrounding the sensitivity of race and I understand that the right to freedom of expression has its limits when used unnecessarily to discriminate against others, slandering religion, race, sexuality. However, VARSITY feels that the writer was not abusing this right nor had the intention of issuing an attack on individual racial groups, but simply pinpointing a matter that is still affecting the lives of South Africans.

VARSITY acts as a mediator and a platform, as Twitter and Facebook does, for those in the public sphere who wish to make comments on the issues in South Africa's society. VARSITY does not sanction hate speech, but does endorse the right to have an opinion as well as to create a forum for responses.

Statement issued by VARSITY newspaper, UCT, April 4 2013

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