These difficult times present especially serious challenges for realizing our goals of promoting intercultural understanding and fostering an appreciation of diverse cultures.

Across the nation, concerns for relatives and friends in the Persian Gulf are fueling overt animosity directed at people perceived to be of Iraqi origin. In addition, intergroup tensions unrelated to the Persian Gulf conflict are increasing among various racial and ethnic groups. Violence against women and lesbian and gay individuals is also increasing.

It is particularly disturbing when incidents of intolerance occur on or near college campuses. A university is a unique environment in which the open discussion of competing points of view is not simply tolerated but actively encouraged. Free speech and academic freedom are two of the most important principles that undergird the very notion of a university.

At the same time, the expression of free speech must be constrained by the right of all people to pursue their interests without fear of verbal or other forms of harassment.

We should be especially disheartened when incidents of harassment occur at Penn State. We have worked hard to create an environment in which racial and cultural diversity, women's equity, international contacts and non-discrimination are promoted as integral components of the University's mission.

Yet, an incident where a student from the Mediterranean region was harassed serves as a stark reminder of how far we have to go. Penn State abhors such incidents and will continue to do everything in its power to create a climate that discourages such incidents through proactive strategies.

With the Persian Gulf crisis, we have seen an admirable and appropriate response on the part of various segments of the institution in the form of rallies and teach-ins. Unfortunately, we have also seen responses that are inconsistent with the values of an institution of higher education.

As the land-grant institution in Pennsylvania and one of the top universities in the United States, all stakeholders at the University must join in the condemnation of acts of harassment and discrimination and find ways to contribute to our diversity initiatives.