Letter from the editor: Owning up to our mistakes

Life lesson: The Internet will not let you forget your mistakes. And that’s a good thing.

As an institution that demands accountability from UA campus leaders, it’s only right that readers hold the Wildcat accountable in turn.

On Tuesday, the Daily Wildcat staff made a serious error in judgment in printing a cartoon that some readers felt was homophobic and inappropriate. We heard from several readers who expressed their disappointment and hurt over the comic strip.

The Arizona Daily Wildcat is now reviewing its editorial policies and has terminated the employment of the cartoonist as of Wednesday. His views do not represent the views of the Wildcat staff, nor does the Wildcat represent the views of the university.

The “etc.” cartoon in question illustrated a parent threatening their child if he ever came out, and the two characters joke about the threat. We agree with the criticism we’ve met, and we apologize. The comic was not funny.

Printing the comic strip was a failure to weigh the perspectives and experiences of others. We regret our mistake, and that we cannot take back the damage it has caused. We’re sorry.

— Kristina Bui is the editor-in-chief of the Arizona Daily Wildcat. She can be reached at editor@wildcat.arizona.edu or on Twitter via @kbui1.