Alden issues public apology for remarks about Howard

Jennifer Knight

Monday, Oct. 28, 2002 | 9:45 a.m.

Regent Mark Alden issued a public apology for referring to the university board's only black regent as an "orangutan" on a local radio show.

"I publicly apologize to her," Alden said today. "I have never had a racist bone in my body, and anyone who knows me knows that."

Alden made his comments about Regent Linda Howard last Thursday when he went on the Alan Stock and Heidi Harris show on KXNT 840AM to push for Howard's resignation.

Alden said his comments were "simply a phrase used to describe someone who simply does not know what they are doing." He said his comments were in no way racist.

Alden went on the talk show to condemn Howard for accessing the records of students who had criticized her, saying that her actions sent a poor message to young people.

"Boy, look at this board. Boy, they're a bunch of orangutans," he said during last Thursday's radio show. "I do believe, though, we only got one orangutan."

Howard responded by calling Alden's comments "obvious racism" saying it was an example of "institutional and systemic racism."

Howard did not immediately return phone calls Monday for comment about Alden's apology.

Alden and Howard have been at odds for several months. Alden called for Howard to resign after it was revealed that Howard looked at student and staff records at UNLV. Alden said she looked at the documents for personal reason.

The two also publicly argued over a minority resource center that Howard back and the board voted down. Alden was an outspoken critic of the project.

Alden said he has not called Howard to offer her an apology because he fears they would exchange more words.

"The last time I talked to her it was after the (board) meeting, and she was very abusive to me," Alden said. "So, I just don't call her."

Alden's comments received a lot of attention. Board Chair Doug Seastrand has responded by issuing a statement to the board urging them to stop bickering.

"I am asking each of us to set aside any animosity you may feel toward other members of the board and if you have been the victim of name-calling I particularly ask you to stand above such and not respond in like manner," Seastrand said.

Alden said that in the future he plans to stay away from personal insults.

"I'm just going to stick to the issues," Alden said. "I'm going to concentrate on the capital budget, operating budget, access to student records and access to all personnel files. I'm not going to get into personalities any more."

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