Last week's "straight" signs on some Holmes Hall doors represented more than the residents' sexual orientation. They signaled the need for more education in a community where homophobic incidents occur frequently.

In response to a gay man possibly moving into the hall, some residents hung signs on their doors proclaiming "straight." Residents said they had posted the signs not because they were homophobic, but because they wanted people to know they were not gay.

People who believe they must announce they are heterosexual suggest that gay men and lesbians are abnormal people deserving of harassment. Signs proclaiming heterosexuality send an unwelcome message to other gay men and lesbians who live in or visit the dormitory.

Announcements by heterosexuals of their sexuality differ from statements made by people of a different sexual orientation. Often gay men and lesbians make their sexual orientation public to show people that this orientation is just as acceptable as heterosexuality.

Because heterosexuality has been accepted as the "norm" for centuries, it does not require the same publicity. In this case, residents' public announcements reflect fear of another sexual orientation.

Intolerance of gay men and lesbians occur frequently at Penn State. In 1988, a survey showed that more than 70 percent of the gay and lesbian community here reported harassment for their sexual orientation.

Education and dialogue can help community members understand each other better. The Lesbian and Gay Student Alliance regularly sponsors "Straight Talks," where a panel of gay men and lesbians answer questions from other students. Gay Pride Week also is coming soon, providing another opportunity for people to openly examine homophobic acts, attitudes and insensitivity. The University this year has also sponsored a lecture series about gay and lesbian issues by noted scholars.

When residents from Holmes Hall attended a mandatory floor meeting last week, many of them said afterward that posting the signs might have been the wrong action. Discussion helped to address and explain residents' fears. Hanging up "straight" posters clearly indicates that, while within their First Amendment right, people at the University need this education.

Ignorance breeds intolerance. In a community centered on education, students here have every opportunity to end both.