UPDATE: The catfight that went national.

We don’t know what the fight was about, exactly, but at least one mutual acquaintance is pretty sure it was about a boy. The Harvard tipster tells us:

Stephanie’s close friend Yelena Shagall forwarded the email out after Stephanie confronted her because Yelena had slept with a mutual friend’s ex-boyfriend. During this fight, Yelena told Stephanie she would “ruin her life.”

I did say that I sensed some envy as the cause of this, didn’t I?

E-mail on race sparks a furor at Harvard Law.  The email.

I absolutely do not rule out the possibility that African Americans are, on average, genetically predisposed to be less intelligent. I could also obviously be convinced that by controlling for the right variables, we would see that they are, in fact, as intelligent as white people under the same circumstances. The fact is, some things are genetic.

The clarification she sent out later.

I absolutely do not rule out the possibility that African Americans are, on average, genetically predisposed to be less intelligent. I could also obviously be convinced that by controlling for the right variables, we would see that they are, in fact, as intelligent as white people under the same circumstances. The fact is, some things are genetic. African Americans tend to have darker skin. Irish people are more likely to have red hair.

Okay, this is a private email and it is taken from a conversation.  I’m not defending her, but doesn’t she have the right to free speech?  Why was a private email routed by someone that got the Black Law Student Association underwear in a knot?

“I just hate leaving things where I feel I misstated my position,’’ Grace wrote. “I absolutely do not rule out the possibility that African-Americans are, on average, genetically predisposed to be less intelligent.’’

The lengthy e-mail, sent to her two dinner companions six months ago, ignited an Internet firestorm this week when it was leaked and first reported Wednesday by the legal blog abovethelaw.com, followed by other websites.

I thought that law school was where you learned to take an argument and discuss it?  It stands to reason that if you have a different opinion, you would (behave like a grown up) take the discussion to the table.   I’m a bit perplexed about why this incredibly bright and diverse group would air a private email in public?

I could be wrong here, but I smell jealousy here.  Stephanie Grace apparently is quite the law student.

Grace, an editor of the Harvard Law Review, is headed for a federal clerkship in California with Ninth Circuit Court Judge Alex Kozinski. She graduated from Princeton University in 2007 with the highest honors and obtained a degree in sociology, according to the university’s registrar. A Princeton website said Grace conducted research on how the racial composition of one’s freshman year roommates influences behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions in subsequent college years.

Did she read Michelle Obama’s thesis?  And why is the mommy Dean involved?

Minow called the incident “sad and unfortunate’’ but said she was heartened by the student’s apology. She added: “We seek to encourage freedom of expression, but freedom of speech should be accompanied by responsibility.’’

Grace issues an apology for a private email that was leaked around the world.

On Wednesday, Grace sent an apology to leaders of the Black Law Students Association, the president of the student government, Minow, and several faculty members.

“I am deeply sorry for the pain caused by my e-mail. I never intended to cause any harm, and I am heartbroken and devastated by the harm that has ensued. I would give anything to take it back,’’ Grace said in the apology, obtained by the Globe.

If this is what law school is all about, I have to wonder where these children will eventually find work?  Silly me, I know the answer already…the government.

Perhaps, Ms. Grace is “misguided” in her thoughts?    That would be the same term that POTUS used about those racists misguided folks in Arizona earlier in the week.   Just my opinion, but she should be allowed to express herself in private however she believes.

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