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Pierson College dean Jane Chu of Yale University, who was placed on leave after offensive reviews she posted, has left her position permanently, according to the school.
What Happened?
Chu issued a public apology last month for offensive reviews she posted to Yelp, referring to patrons as “white trash” and “low class folk.” A few days after posting the reviews, they were uncovered by students who began to circulate them around the Ivy League school.
Stephen Davis, the head of Pierson College, on Tuesday informed members of the residential college that Chu had left her position and “wished the best to students.” He will begin the search for a new dean.
Davis emailed members of the residential college on May 18, shortly after the reviews were first uncovered, that she had been placed on leave. He said the reviews, of which there were more than he initially thought, contained “inappropriate and unacceptable language pertaining to race and class” that was “deeply harmful to the community fabric.”
At least 10 reviews from Chu on restaurants and establishments in New Haven, Connecticut from her personal account have been found.
The Yale Daily News obtained the reviews.
“To put it quite simply: If you are white trash, this is the perfect night out for you!” Chu wrote in one review of a Japanese restaurant.
“This establishment is definitely not authentic by any stretch of the imagination and perfect for low class folks who believe this a real night out.
“Over salted and greasy food. Side note: employees are Chinese, not Japanese,” Chu, who identifies as Chinese American, said.
In another review she wrote: “I guess if you were a white person who has no clue what mochi is, this would be fine for you.”
The social psychologist – who once said she valued “views on diversity, equity, partnerships, and academic success” – issued an apology and deleted her Yelp account after her reviews began drawing public attention.
“I have learned a lot this semester about the power of words and about the accountability that we owe one another,” Chu wrote.
“My remarks were wrong.
“There are no two ways about it. Not only were they insensitive in matters related to class and race; they demean the values to which I hold myself and which I offer as a member of this community.”
Yale University
Yale University is an American private Ivy League research university in New Haven, Connecticut. Founded in 1701, it is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States.
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