Comments on "Brandeis Hookups," a Facebook page where people can anonymously post their "raunchiest, craziest Brandeis hookup [stories]," have exploded recently following an opinion article published in The Hoot that said the page promoted "sexism, body-shaming and rape culture."

The author of the opinion piece proceeded to repost her article to "Brandeis Hookups'" Facebook page, which elicited a flurry of feedback and comments.

While the article has generated a number of comments concerning the validity of its argument, the comment that particularly concerns us is that of Student Union Secretary Carlton Shakes '14. In response to The Hoot writer's post, Shakes used profanity that we feel served to intimidate, denigrate and provoke the author, and by extension, those who merely question the Facebook group.

Students elected to the Union serve as representatives of the Brandeis community. We rely on them to listen to the wide array of student opinions present on this campus and expect that they will be receptive to viewpoints that differ from their own. Shakes' use of offensive, coarse language explicitly undermined this commitment, and the position he is meant to hold.

As the Union Secretary, Shakes is required to be one of the most accessible contacts to the student body, sending weekly email announcements and communicating as a mouthpiece for the student body. However, his comment concerns us as an affront to the value of civil discourse.

Even if he were not the Student Union secretary, using profanity to degrade another person's viewpoint is not the proper manner of discourse that we expect from our fellow Brandeisians.

We recognize that Shakes' comment is protected by the First Amendment, and as a newspaper, we deeply believe in the value of free speech. Legally, Shakes is allowed to speak freely, but as an elected official and a Brandeisian, his public speech in a public forum is not beyond reproach by his constituents. As a public official, Shakes must represent the best interests of this diverse and multi-faceted student body, regardless of his personal positions. Shakes' position as secretary makes his choice of words in this situation all the more serious an offense. Shakes' comment represents a serious lapse in judgment that left many Facebook commentators angry and offended.

This board hopes that Shakes recognizes the need for civility and respect in all discussions and conversations-whether it be online or in person. Shakes must come to his own conclusion about the appropriateness of an apology, but we hope he realizes that his position carries heightened responsibilities and a more exacting focus on propriety.

We urge Shakes-and those Facebook commentators defending him-to realize that even on Facebook, Shakes must uphold the standards of the office that he represents.
The comments he makes from his personal Facebook page in a public forum, such as "Brandeis Hookups," are subject to the same moral standards as would be an op-ed piece written by him in the pages of this newspaper.