Agirl:  I suggest you read the accounts from those persons at the party.  Absolutely no one asserts that Ms Shurtz was being intentionally insulting or mocking African Americans.  In fact the overwhelming majority of letters to the editor addressing this issue run very parallel to my feelings.....Mr Shurtz was attempting to honor Dr. Tweedy and used poor judgment by donning black make-up.  I use the term "black make-up" instead of "blackface" because the latter term implies racism and the mocking of African Americans with intent.  Again, no one asserts, (even in the "so-called" investigation) that such was Ms. Shurtz's intent.  

Photo:  Would you suggest Ms. Shurtz should have shaved her head to portray Dr. Tweedy?  

I'm not sure of the point of your post.  Do you suggest that Ms. Shurtz deserves to be dismissed from the University?  Do you feel the resign/be dismissed punishment the petitioners desire is appropriate?  Those are two questions for you.....thanks for answering them.