To the Editor:
Your recent article on "Talk It Out" provided much deserved attention to an issue and an event of great importance to the Dartmouth community and to me ("Students shed light on homophobia," April 9). I regret that my need to leave early detracted from the event, which focused on the experiences of several students who courageously told their stories.
Do not equate my departure for lack of support for the LGBT community. As dean of the College, I am committed to building a more inclusive community at Dartmouth in every way. Friday night's event demonstrated both the strength of our community members who spoke out and the need to redouble our efforts to increase the level of acceptance, understanding and respect of everyone at Dartmouth.Although the event and your coverage of it communicated an important message, it did not accurately represent my commitment to students and respectful dialogue. My door is always open, and I am eager to talk to students about their experiences at Dartmouth, both good and bad, and to look for ways it can be improved.As I have said before, homophobia, bigotry and hatred have no place in our community. Many thanks to the organizers of "Talk it Out" for underscoring the very real need for inclusion, mutual respect and open dialogue.
Dean of the College
