letters to the editor

Author: [no author name found]

To the Editor:

I was a little confused by the administration's response to the recent homophobic incidents on campus, and whether the response was directed at the hate crime itself, the opinion of the perpetrator or both. I wholeheartedly agree with the school's policy and state law that hate crimes of any sort will not be tolerated. However, what about the opinion of the perpetrator that motivated this egregious act? While I disagree enitirely with the perpetrator's sentiment, I believe he or she should be able to express an opinion to those willing to listen. If the perpetrator and others with similar viewpoints had an avenue to express themselves, I for one would listen. To be honest, I am intrigued by such ignorant, hateful opinions and where they come from. Furthermore, when we say someone is not entitled to his or her opinion, we get more destructive, disturbing forms of expression that we all have to deal with. I would prefer to have a conversation with the perpetrator and use this as an opportunity to convey my own beliefs. I might be successful in persuading the person to become more accepting and open-minded, I might not. But at least I could try.

Sincerely,

Eric Harvey '09

Portland, Ore.


To the Editor:

Today's Campus contains an ad sponsored by the student Religious Life Council and other College community members who participate in a variety of religious groups, organizations and churches. We hope you will read it.

The ad states in no uncertain terms that we reject the use of hate language, and "particularly hate language that invokes the name of God, against any group on our campus."

The statement might have said more or less. Some who signed it wanted a stronger statement. Some wanted less talk about theism. What emerged was a consensus document that makes an important point: faithful people do not promote hate, and do not vandalize, and do not use God's name to intimidate people who are different. Cowards and immature children do that sort of thing.

The list of people who signed the statement is by no means comprehensive - many other people may have wanted to sign the statement, if only they had known about it. However, because we wanted to respond to this intolerable behavior quickly we sacrificed comprehensiveness for speed - thus the list is a relatively random subset of community members. If you also find such hate language intolerable, we hope you will let others know. The more open we are about our reaction to such behavior, the sooner it will stop.

If you have been attacked by hate language on campus, please know that the religious community stands with you. And we will work with you to help stop such attacks.

Sincerely,

Laurel Macaulay Jordan,

Chaplain of the College

Ira J. Schiffer,

Associate Chaplain/ Rabbi

Augustus E. Jordan,

Director of the Scott Center for Spiritual and Religious Life