Rhetorical Analysis of an Organizational Artifact: A University’s Response in Defense of Hate Speech

Abstract

In 2017, a hate speech flier targeting the LGBTQ community was posted in the main classroom building at Cleveland State University (CSU). This article explores the rhetoric surrounding the hate speech posted at this institution. The President’s insensitive email response to this hate speech sparked outrage from students, faculty, staff, and the public. To correct his mistake, he delivered an apologia. In this study, I analyze the President’s email response to the hate crime and his apology to the university. His apologia reveals strong evidence of emotional intelligence (pathos), an appeal to the university’s credibility (ethos), and use of claims and evidence (logos) which were all lacking in his initial email to the hate speech.

Keywords: Hate speech, Rhetoric, Legitimacy, Institution

DOI: 10.7176/NMMC/95-07

Publication date: March 31^st 2021