Penn State Intercom......October 26, 2000

Fighting back against hate

University working to restore
harmony to campus community

In the past few weeks, there have been a number of events on the University Park campus and in the surrounding community that are rooted in hatred, violence, prejudice and discrimination. These incidents include sexual assaults, hate mail, the harassment of African American students and the harassment of gay and lesbian students.

University police are currently investigating a series of threatening letters that have been received by members of Penn State's African American community. Three of the letters went to students and one to a University official.

In conducting their investigation, University police have notified the State Attorney General and the FBI, and will work with U.S. Postal Inspectors in an effort to identify the person responsible for the letters, which contained racial epithets and threats directed at the recipients.

The students who received the hate mail have met with University officials and will be provided support services and additional security.

"Prevention of such behavior is our first priority, but when acts of hatred occur, our next priority must be to find and prosecute the perpetrators," said President Graham B. Spanier. "I want to convey a clear message: Penn State University will not tolerate such behaviors, nor will we stand by and allow members of our community to be threatened or harmed physically or emotionally. These anti-social behaviors might not be the work of organized hate groups, but those who engage in such craven acts share a trait with hate groups -- the intent to threaten and intimidate, not just individuals, but entire communities of people."

Spanier urged the University community not to let these acts divide it.

"We must join forces to deplore racism, sexism, homophobia and anti-Semitism and other religious harassment. We must combat sexual violence. We must ward off all forms of discrimination that seek to find a home here," he said.

To that end, Spanier announced that he is establishing a special fund to provide reward money to any individual whose information leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone under federal or state criminal law for actions that harass or communicate threats, intimidation or harm to members of the University community. The details of this fund will be worked out in the coming days.

"I have spoken openly and clearly on these problems numerous times in the past," said Spanier. "As an institution we have invested heavily in educational programs, workshops and community forums designed to combat these social ills. Apparently, some people think we are not serious about these convictions. They continue to violate our community standards in the belief that there will be no repercussions. Nothing could be further from the truth, and no one should underestimate our resolve."

State College Mayor Bill Welch joined with University officials in denouncing the hate mail.

"This type of behavior is something that State College will not accept. The diversity that Penn State has brought to this community is one of our greatest assets," he said.

The Offices of Educational Equity and Student Affairs also will be redoubling their educational efforts and student programming to nurture an enhanced campus climate for diversity.

"It is disturbing and unfortunate that this sort of thing still happens in our country," said Terrell Jones, vice provost for educational equity. "I very much regret that the students were exposed to this sort of hatred. It should serve as a reminder to all of us that we need to continue our efforts to encourage tolerance and diversity on the campus and within the broader community."

For updated information on this topic, check the Penn State Web site at http://www.psu.edu/ur/civility/.