To the Editor:
As a vice president of the Dartmouth Hillel, the center for Jewish life on campus, I was particularly disturbed by the vile act of anti-Semitism committed this weekend. Dartmouth is one of the most open, tolerant communities in the world of higher education, and since my first day on campus I have felt nothing but warmth, understanding and acceptance as a Jewish student. This act shocked me as an aberration, as it must have shocked everyone who is a part of the Dartmouth community. We know that this type of behavior is neither tolerated here nor taken lightly. We know that our community is one in which everyone feels comfortable and one in which we are accepted for who we are regardless of "what" we are.
At the present moment, our student body stands united in protecting all people who are being unjustly targeted in the wake of the tragedy of Sept. 11. Now we must stand together once again to make sure that those who would destroy our community with their hateful views do not succeed. I know that they will not, and I commend Dean of the College James Larimore for committing himself to finding the perpetrator of this detestable act and dealing with him or her accordingly. The seriousness with which the administration is handling this incident is comforting, and I am pleased that they confronted it immediately and responded to it without hesitation.
This is how Dartmouth reacts when it is tested by those who profess hatred: we stand together, reaffirm our commitment to openness, acceptance and toleration, and, as a result, grow stronger. I am as proud as ever to be a Dartmouth student and I am confident that Dean Larimore will not let this unfortunate and repulsive event go unanswered.
