Again the ugly face of racism has appeared at PSU! Some individuals have hung posters derogatory of blacks (and especially Mr. Williams) around the University community.

But we should no longer be shocked or surprised, since it was foreseeable. Through its inaction and silence on other earlier acts of intolerance, the University contributed to the sick-minded environment which fosters these acts.

It is hard to understand how two individuals made the connection ("Ducking issues" letter 2/19/89) between the photograph published in the Collegian and Prop 42/USG/gender issues they went on to discuss in their letter.

What is significant is the same kind of derogation aimed at underrepresented groups and persons, as well as those moral enough to publicly express concern about the effective exclusion of these groups from meaningful participation in American society.

Instead of directing their efforts in devising acceptable alternative solutions (since they clearly do not agree with those mentioned in their letter), they make fun of circumstances that are very real and humorless to those affected by them.

Instead of a serious response, we see more of the same in a letter to the Collegian a few days later ("Duck comments" letter 2/13/89) Except for this letter, the University and the University community remained absolutely silent.

It is no surprise that offensive posters pop up, after all, its earlier silence signaled acceptance of intolerance, so long as it was targeted at underrepresented or protest (in other words, those who actively express opposition to University policies) groups.

It is only natural that it progressed to the point where some individuals expressed what they are actually learning at the big U. Is this what a Penn State education is all about? Where is the public condemnation of such acts, whether they involve gays or alternative viewpoints or ethnicity?

The roots grow deep and the branches spread wide before the tree of hate bears a fruit the administration can recognize as "intolerance."

The silence of the University and its community in response to all acts of intolerance is not only disturbing -- it is deafening.