To the Editor:
On Jan. 13, a swastika was drawn on the dry erase board of a Jewish student in Smith Hall. The membership of the Dartmouth Hillel condemns this act of anti-semitism. Whether perpetrated by a student or a non-student, by someone drunk or sober, the drawing of a swastika is a recognized symbol of hatred and is inexcusable. Regardless of the intentions of the individual who committed this repugnant act, the end result of hatred has no place in the Dartmouth community. We, as Jews, not only feel welcome on campus, but also feel that we represent an important part of student life at Dartmouth. We are entirely confident that the individual who left a symbol of hate on the door does not represent the values and principles of the Dartmouth community. The membership of Dartmouth Hillel would like to publicly reaffirm its place in this community. We are glad that the Dean of the College and the Hanover Police are investigating the matter and we believe that, should he or she be identified, the individual should be held accountable for his violation of the student code of conduct. Lastly, we note publicly that we are concerned not only by incidents of anti-Semitism, but also by all acts of hatred. It is our belief that all such incidents ought to be condemned and that this type of problem touches the entire Dartmouth community. Apathy is not an appropriate response to hatred and bigotry, and we applaud Dean of the College James Larimore, the Student Assembly and the Tucker Foundation for their speedy and sympathetic responses. They make us even prouder to be members of the Dartmouth community.
