To the Editor:
At Dartmouth, we often get so wrapped up in our social and academic lives, that we can be blind to the way we interact as a community, and what our actions represent. People do ridiculous things. We hope those actions are driven by ignorance, and not hate or apathy, but it's a reality we have to live with. Last week at the candlelight vigil, I watched as our community mobilized in support of each other, to stand against a hate crime that many feared would remain ignored. Yes, the response could have been faster. Yes, the administration should have stepped up and not left the onus on the students, but the truth is, we comprise this community, and we need to take action when the actions of a few impact and reflect upon us all. Despite the storm of blame and confusion that has surrounded both the act and the response to it, I'm proud of our community for coming together, if only for a few moments, in a visual display of support and empathy. Thank you to everyone who stood together against acts of violence that were antithetical to the standards of our community and that viciously targeted members of our college.
Mary Cromwell '12Palaeopitus Senior Society member