posted on June 15, 2004 02:29:04 PM new
Hoffman says slur can be "term of endearment"
9news reporter Adam Schrager (9NEWS Legislative Reporter)
In a sworn statement to be made public Tuesday, University of Colorado President Elizabeth Hoffman said a four-letter word used toward women can sometimes be used as a "term of endearment."
The comment comes from Hoffman's latest sworn testimony in connection with a federal lawsuit against the university. 9NEWS received a copy of the passage in question from the university after sources both outside and inside CU told us about it.
The suit was filed by women who say they were sexually assaulted by CU football players and recruits.
A lawyer for one of the women asked Hoffman about former CU kicker Katie Hnida being called the "c- word" by a teammate.
That player was later disciplined by coach Gary Barnett for making the remark.
In the deposition, Hoffman was asked whether the "c-word" is "filthy and vile."
She said she knows the word is a swear word, but "It is all in the context of what--of how it is used and when it is used."
She was asked, "Can you indicate any polite context in which that word would be used?"
Hoffman answered, "Yes, I've actually heard it used as a term of endearment."
A CU spokeswoman said President Hoffman is aware of the negative connotations associated with the word.
But, the spokesperson said, because Hoffman is a medieval scholar, she is aware of the long history of the word. She said it was not always a negative term.
Additionally, some CU critics are scheduled to meet with Gov. Bill Owens Tuesday, to talk about how the university is handling the football recruiting scandal.
"The Secret Service has announced it is doubling its protection for John Kerry. You can understand why — with two positions on every issue, he has twice as many people mad at him." —Jay Leno
posted on June 15, 2004 02:53:01 PM new
Oh, isn't that nice. So I suppose when I call my former boss a Dic* that's a form of endearment as well? That's what I call stretching it.
posted on June 15, 2004 06:05:46 PM new
Cheryl. only if his proper name is Richard....or maybe Big Richard
"The Secret Service has announced it is doubling its protection for John Kerry. You can understand why — with two positions on every issue, he has twice as many people mad at him." —Jay Leno
posted on June 15, 2004 06:15:02 PM new
anyone who applied that "term of endearment" to me would have their affection returned in a manner guaranteed to be painful...if they tried to bring charges against me, I would merely state that I was showering them with love...
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