To the Editor:
We are writing today to express our deep concern for the students, faculty and staff on our campus who have been and continue to be insulted, derided and attacked either because they are gay, lesbian or bisexual, or because they are people of color or because they are active in the equal rights movements of the 1990s, whatever their own sexual identity, race or ethnicity. But we are not only saddened, dispirited and frustrated; we are also called to action.
The Women's Resource Center is committed to the principles of community, honor, expression and opportunity embraced by the College. Everyone here deserves to have her or his individual or group identity respected. In an effort to encourage the recognition, acceptance and celebration of our differences, we pledge to provide: Support and resources around issues of sexual, racial and other forms of discrimination; opportunities for the exchange of ideas about these issues and, importantly, about privilege of various kinds; educational programs and consultation addressing "multiculturalism" and coalition-building; andadvocacy at the administrative and policy-making level on the behalf of individuals and groups who continue to seek equity and recognition on campus.
Finally, we invite those members of this community who oppose or are uncomfortable with such efforts to talk with us. Open and honest communication on every front -- not grandstanding or anonymous swaggering -- creates positive change.
