FYI - Here is the full text of the Fire Claeys group:
Terminate U of M Football Coach Tracy Claeys
Petition by Nancy J Bitenc
To be delivered to President Eric W. Kaler, University of Minnesota President
We, the undersigned citizens of Minnesota and other concerned citizens, urge President Eric W. Kaler and the University of Minnesota Athletics Department to immediately terminate University of Minnesota Head Football Coach Tracy Claeys for failure of leadership and lack of sound judgment.
There are currently 3,423 signatures. NEW goal - We need 4,000 signatures!
PETITION BACKGROUND We, the undersigned citizens of Minnesota and other concerned citizens, urge the immediate termination of University of Minnesota Head Football Coach Tracy Claeys.
As strong believers in the importance of leadership, justice, opportunity and respect, we urge the President of the University of Minnesota, Eric W. Kaler, and the University of Minnesota Athletics Department to terminate its head football coach, Tracy Claeys.
In response to the Sept. 2 allegations against U of M football players and a players’ boycott of practice and participation in the Holiday Bowl, Claeys tweeted on December 15: “Have never been more proud of our kids. I respect their rights & support their effort to make a better world!”
Claeys’ tweet expressing his pride in the team failed to mention or acknowledge the importance of respecting women. Further, it did not condemn violence, sexual assault or disrespect of women. We feel this is not at all acceptable.
In judging Claeys' action in this context, we propose that two significant historical problems must be acknowledged:
- Sexism, disrespect of and violence against women, and
- Racism, and the lack of due process for many people of color in the American justice system
Tracy Claeys’ tweet fails to acknowledge the tragic, historic mistreatment of women, demonstrating that he is not an appropriate or effective leader for young people. We believe he put the welfare of his football program above the welfare of a female student, despite that his own football players admitted to disrespecting and mistreating her. We believe his priorities are misplaced, and that he lacks sound moral judgment and leadership skills. We believe he is not an appropriate representative of the University of Minnesota, or the people of Minnesota.
We urge President Eric Kaler and the Athletics Department to fire him, effective immediately.
Signed,
Heather Babula Hopkins, MN
Maggie Berry Oakdale, MN
Nancy Jane Bitenc Saint Paul, MN
Judy Brown Saint Paul, MN
Padmaja Challakere Saint Paul, MN
Faith Dietz Saint Paul, MN
Chantel Johnson Fragassi Saint Paul, MN
Elizabeth Glidden Minneapolis, MN
Betty Folliard Minneapolis, MN
Monica Dols Haas Saint Paul, MN
Tasha-Rose Hodges Saint Paul, MN
Travis Apollo Haage Saint Paul, MN
Rachel Kowaorski Santa Fe, New Mexico
Lisa Johnson Roseville, MN
Jean Jones Saint Paul, MN
David Nathan Saint Paul, MN
Laura Nathan Saint Paul, MN
JoAnn Nathan Saint Paul, MN
Joe Nathan Saint Paul, MN
Karen Nelson Olson Saint Paul, MN
Marty Owings Saint Paul, MN
Lonni Simpson Skrentner Edina, MN
Mary Wiley Edina, MN
They have secured 3423 signatures.
The Keep Claeys petition:
Keep Tracy Claeys as the Head Coach of the Minnesota Gophers Football Team
Petition by John Stockton
To be delivered to All the people + those other guys, The Minnesota State House, The Minnesota State Senate, Governor Mark Dayton, The United States House of Representatives and 2 other targets (click here to see more)
Tracy Claeys is an upstanding man with the determination and moxie to lead the Gophers to ANOTHER National Championship. His undeniable energy and ethical integrity regarding his players' unfair treatment throughout the bungled EOAA suspension process is a testament to his character.
There are currently 2,228 signatures. NEW goal - We need 3,000 signatures!
PETITION BACKGROUND A reasonable stance taken by Coach Claeys in a no-win situation is not a reason for dismissal. Please share the link to the petition. It's important to get the word out that Coach Claeys has supporters.[/QUOTE
"Racism, and the lack of due process for many people of color in the American justice system"
I thought that the bold type is what coach Claeys was proud of. Unfortunately he's being Jimmy the Greek'ed.