Recent happenings in the Penn State environment, both on and of campus have left a number of students hurt, angry, and confused. There have been an increasing number of blatant acts of intolerances such as flyers attacking Seth Williams and verbal harassment of African-American women.

Yet more subtle acts of intolerance exist including institutional insensitivity and discrimination towards groups or individuals based on factors such as race, color, sexual orientation, or political or religious beliefs.

In many instances, students don't fully understand the concerns nor do they know where to turn to voice them. We as Student Counselors are also wrestling with these issues and are willing to talk to students, as students.

We are available in 135-A Boucke Building from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. on a walk or call in basis.

Individuals can call 863-2020 to ask for further information, to report acts of intolerance, or to discuss how these acts or any other problems affect us personally, or as a community.

As students, we can discuss some proactive, positive ways that we can maintain an environment conducive to fostering respect and tolerance.