To the Editor:

Over the past several weeks, student organization posters have been defaced and club presidents have received anonymous e-mails depicting sexist and homophobic comments. These anonymous messages of hate have deeply affected members of our community, especially student leaders working hard to promote a civil, respectful and open campus for all students regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion or ability.’ Acts in such an anonymous and hateful fashion do not encourage open dialogue of difference and undermine our educational mission committed to civil discourse.

Members of Alliance, Vagina Warriors and other student groups on campus have planned several programs and events to recognize and eradicate injustice and we encourage all students, faculty and staff to participate in these events to encourage dialogue, understanding and learning.’

It is only through this dialogue and respectful conversation that we can celebrate the differences each of us brings to our campus community. We encourage and support student organizations such as Alliance and Vagina Warriors in their efforts to cultivate a supportive, open and respectful campus climate for all students.

As a Jesuit University, we are a community of scholarship and faith, anchored by a belief in the inherent dignity of each person. The Jesuit ideal of being men and women for others is not limited to the relationships we have with people who share our beliefs, lifestyles or traditions.’

Rather, it very much includes the relationships we have with those who lead different lives and/or subscribe to different beliefs.’ ‘ ‘ Student organizations and their work for this community promote our Jesuit mission and support the community all of us work so hard to create.

We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of all students, faculty and staff who work diligently to engage conversations of difference and promote learning in our community.’
Should anyone encounter future incidents of graffiti or any hateful acts, please contact the Department of Public Safety at ext. 4090 or the Office of the Dean of Students at ext. 4211.

Sincerely,

Deborah Cady Melzer, Ph.D.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘
Dean of Student Development

Matthew Dinnan
Sr. Associate Dean/Director
of Student Activities

Thomas Pellegrino, J.D., Ph.D.
Associate Vice President/Dean of Students

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