" 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."

-- Penn State President Graham B. Spanier, October 26, 2000

An Open Letter from President Graham Spanier
to the Penn State Community about Bigotry and Intolerance
February 23, 2005

Several years ago the University adopted a statement known as "The Penn State Principles" to convey to students and other members of the University community the values that Penn State embraces. Chief among them is an expectation of respectful and responsible behavior. We want this campus to be a safe and welcoming community for all students, regardless of their race, religion, nationality or sexual preference.

Unfortunately, this past week there were two incidents that brought to light the need for continued vigilance for all of us at Penn State if we hope to make our University the model of understanding and respect to which we aspire. One was a hostile and insensitive letter to the Collegian related to sexual orientation. Fortunately, many Penn State students spoke up with a strong voice in the days that followed, denouncing the insensitivity expressed in the original letter and demonstrating tremendous concern and support for students who were hurt by the sentiments the letter expressed.

This past weekend there was a disturbing incident in which a student shouted, from a residence hall window, terrible racial slurs and derogatory remarks about homosexuals. That sort of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at Penn State. The University police are vigorously investigating the incident. Student Affairs staff have conducted meetings in the residence hall to remind students of our core values and to seek student support in identifying the culprit. Printed materials have been distributed within the residence hall, and extra security has been assigned to the area.

Dr. Vicky Triponey, vice president for Student Affairs, and Dr. Terrell Jones, vice provost for Educational Equity, and their colleagues will continue to make themselves available to work with students and others to address current concerns and to continue our collective efforts to eradicate hate, harrassment, intolerance, bigotry, and insensitivity. 

In my 10 years as president of Penn State, I have spoken often and forcefully on the need for a civil and caring campus environment. It is difficult to address publicly every incident that might occur in a community as large as Penn State. But the two events of the past week should stand as a reminder to all of us of the need to stand up for the core values that are so fundamental to Penn State.

You can find the Penn State Principles, along with some of the speeches, articles and comments that I have made in the past on this important subject below.

The Penn State Principles
July 19, 2001
The Pennsylvania State University is a community dedicated to personal and academic excellence. The Penn State Principles embody the values that our students, faculty, staff, administration and alumni possess. It is understood that members of the Penn State community agree to abide by the principles to ensure that Penn State is a thriving environment for living and learning. By endorsing these common principles, members of the community contribute to the traditions and scholarly heritage left by those who preceded them and promise to leave Penn State a better place for those who follow.