My mistake, my apology

In the Oct. 28 issue of The Brock Press, the Marginalia section included a list of Halloween alternatives; an inventory of various items that could be interchangeable with candy.
When compiled, the author sought out various items around their house to include in the list, and subsequently complete it. This is not to act as a justification for including the Qur'an in that list, but rather, an explanation as to why it was included.
Over the past week, we have been inundated with e-mail, phone calls and in-person complaints aimed at our inclusion of this item.
The result was the displeasure of many, as we failed to realize the extreme sensitivity of including the Qur'an in that list.
As the editor-in-chief of this newspaper, it is my responsibility, and ultimately my mistake, for allowing this most unfortunate circumstance to occur.
For that, I apologize.
It was not my, or any Brock Press staff member's, aim to intentionally offend anyone with any item that appeared in the list.
One of the biggest concerns that have crossed my desk in the past week is that we view the Qur'an to be on the same level as a urine sample or stool sample (other items in the list). I can unequivocally assure you that we do not view the Qur'an to be similar in any way, nor do we think that it should be viewed with disrespect.
I am now aware of the na've mistake that was made, and that my oversight on this issue has caused so many to feel as though our intent was to disrespect or offend them.
I would like to thank each individual who has voiced their displeasure with this issue, as it has allowed me to learn more about other cultures and faiths. I regret that this was the instance that allowed for this to happen, but I am thankful nonetheless.
I would also like to thank Daud Grewal, the President of the Muslim Students' Association, for his open mind and open heart in accepting my sincere apology and allowing me to explain the thinking on our end.
I realize that many have gone to Daud in hopes of an explanation and a course of action, and I can assure you all that he has represented you in the most professional manner possible.
Living in Canada and going to Brock is, in my opinion, a privilege, both for those who came here and those who were born here. We are fortunate to live in the greatest country on earth; a country that is accepting, tolerant and permits the freedoms to live a just life.
At times we make mistakes. We try to limit them as much as possible, but mistakes in life are inevitable.
Last week I made a mistake that I now realize is much bigger than I could have ever thought. For the four years that I have worked at The Brock Press I have always considered it to be one of the best university newspapers in the country, and to now have people as upset and offended as they are from something that appeared in our newspaper does not sit well with me.
If you look around Brock you will see people from all walks of life, from every corner of the globe. These are the very people in which we produce the newspaper for and I hope that as you read this column, you will begin to understand the remorse and shame that has come over me as a result of this mistake.
I realize that mere words are not enough to fully erase the anger and unrest that so many have felt throughout the week, but I hope you will accept my apology to be both sincere and heartfelt.
While I regret this situation occurred, I hope that we can move forward and begin to further understand those we share our hallways and classrooms with.
Once again, I sincerely apologize for what has transpired this past week.