To the Editor:
I am writing in response to the report of recent incidents of behavior which appear to be directed at gay, lesbian and bisexual members of our community. These incidents include tearing down and defacing "gay friendly space" stickers in various parts of the campus. One student reported that someone scrawled the words, "kill the faggots," on the door of her student residence. Another student reported that dirt was thrown at her window, probably to "protest" a Dartmouth Rainbow Alliance flag hanging inside her student residence, but visible to those walking by her window.
It is intolerable that members of our community should be subjected to such hateful and hurtful acts of cowardice. The Principle of Community endorsed by the Board of Trustees (1980) states that: "The life and work of a Dartmouth student should be based on integrity, responsibility and consideration. In all activities each student is expected to be sensitive to and respectful of the rights and interests of others, and to be personally honest. He or she should be appreciative of the diversity of the community as providing an opportunity for learning and moral growth."
Dartmouth is a tolerant community which is proud of its diversity. While the College protects the expression of free speech, certain types of behavior which threatens, intimidates or harasses other members of the community may be subject to disciplinary action. Indeed, some forms of harassing and threatening actions are covered by New Hampshire state statutes and are subject to criminal prosecution.
I call upon the community -- students, faculty and staff -- to express in private and public forums that behavior which seeks to harm others because of their sexual orientation will not be tolerated in our community. Such acts violate the College's community standards.
This past week I met with students, faculty and staff regarding these incidents. I have been particularly heartened that so many students have come together to express their support for a community that extends dignity and respect to all of its members. A recently passed Student Assembly resolution rightly expresses "the moral and ethical wrong of these hateful and harmful actions." I urge other community members to express their strong disapprobation of behavior which undermines basic community standards.
The Department of Safety and Security is working vigorously to identify the individual(s) responsible for these acts. The department has increased foot patrols in the areas on campus where these events occurred. The Hanover police has also been contacted.
It would appear that not all of the behavior which has been reported is adjudicable under the College's disciplinary code. Nevertheless, actions which threaten, intimidate or harass an individual may be subject to College discipline as well as criminal prosecution.
The College is eager to identify the person(s) responsible for these actions and to respond decisively. If you have any information concerning these events, please contact the Safety and Security office.