Ben Carson Issues ‘Sincere and Heartfelt Apology’ to Johns Hopkins Community for ‘Poorly Chosen’ Gay Marriage Remarks
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Dr. Ben Carson on Friday apologized to Johns Hopkins University for "poorly chosen" comments he made last week in which he seemed to compare gay relationships to pedophilia and bestiality.
The pediatric neurosurgeon's message to the Hopkins community came after a top university official issued a statement calling Carson's words "offensive" and saying he would meet with students who want Carson removed as commencement speaker.
"[W]e recognize that tension now exists in our community because hurtful, offensive language was used by our colleague, Dr. Ben Carson, when conveying a personal opinion. Dr. Carson's comments are inconsistent with the culture of our institution," said Dr. Paul Rothman, dean of medical faculty at Johns Hopkins.
Carson had previously apologized for any offense taken by his comments and said he would "absolutely" be willing to step down as commencement speaker. On Friday, he apologized for "any embarrassment" his words caused Johns Hopkins as well.
"As you know, I have been in the national news quite a bit recently and my 36 year association with Johns Hopkins has unfortunately dragged our institution into the spotlight as well. I am sorry for any embarrassment this has caused," Carson wrote in an email with the subject line "to the Hopkins community," according to New York Magazine.
"But what really saddens me is that my poorly chosen words caused pain for some members of our community and for that I offer a most sincere and heartfelt apology," he wrote.
Carson said while he has not shifted his views on marriage, "there are much less offensive ways to make that point."
Carson's full apology, via New York Magazine:
Dear Colleagues, Friends and Associates:
As you know, I have been in the national news quite a bit recently and my 36 year association with Johns Hopkins has unfortunately dragged our institution into the spotlight as well. I am sorry for any embarrassment this has caused. But what really saddens me is that my poorly chosen words caused pain for some members of our community and for that I offer a most sincere and heartfelt apology. Hurting others is diametrically opposed to who I am and what I believe. There are many lessons to be learned when venturing into the political world and this is one I will not forget. Although I do believe marriage is between a man and a woman, there are much less offensive ways to make that point. I hope all will look at a lifetime of service over some poorly chosen words.
Sincerely yours,
Benjamin S Carson Sr MD
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