This letter is in response to the Cynthia Despres cartoon in the Thursday’s paper displaying the well-known UF trademark “The Gator Nation is Everywhere” printed on a wall with a student from UF’s Documentary Institute painting “Except Haiti” underneath. I believe this illustration strongly undermines the numerous efforts from students and faculty to aid the people of Haiti.
It is understood that the cartoon may be a reply to the recent decision made by the university to no longer sponsor or sanction student trips to Haiti due to health and safety warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
However, besides having a physical presence in the country, there are many things that can be done and are currently being done to support Haiti from our campus.
For instance, the student-run Gators United for Haiti set a goal to raise $50,000 by the end of the spring semester with the UF Athletic Association matching every donation.
