Sometimes events scheduled months in advance have an unfortunate way of becoming very timely.

This year's Unity Week, which was conceived as early as August, comes at a time when Penn State is confronted with racial tension and unrest on campus. Last week, three students and one member of the Board of Trustees, all of whom are black, received hate mail.

Sadly, this is only the latest in a history of hateful acts sorely felt by minorities.

In times of strife, many students look to community leaders such as Penn State President Graham Spanier to respond appropriately and to listen sympathetically.

With a few resolute statements, he and other members of the administration have done so, denouncing these cowardly deeds and all forms of discrimination.

Yet the president has been attacked for not reacting quickly and not paying enough attention to the concerns of students affected by the hate mail. Last week, he even faced a harsh comment about his own religious beliefs.

We cannot let the actions of a few breed new conflict among us.

As the most visible leader of a state-wide university of more than 80,000 students, Spanier maintains a level of professionalism even as strong emotions flare around him.

But the community also needs to see that he cares about the struggles of students for them to feel safe and accepted while they're here.

Spanier needs to go beyond the bureaucracy of his office and reach out to the student community, especially during these difficult times.

Spanier should have been at the Black Caucus press conference last week, even if the time was not conducive to his schedule. At the same time, the Black Caucus should have tried to schedule the event at a time more conducive to the president's undoubtedly busy schedule.

At the Faculty Senate meeting Tuesday, Spanier admitted that the crisis has touched him on a personal level.

"It's something I'm very concerned about and that I've spent a lot of my time worrying about over the last several weeks," he said.

Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon said Spanier plans to be at some of the discussions and rallies today, adding that the president met privately with members of Black Caucus Tuesday night.

Good leaders become great when they listen attentively to the feelings of the individuals they serve.

Spanier is improving in his efforts toward this end.

As organizers prepare for a full day of events, they should take last Saturday's silent march to Beaver Stadium as an example of effective peaceful assembly for a purpose.

To those who are in the majority, intolerance often seems invisible.

Beginning now, find a way to become more aware of diversity and combat the epidemic of hate.

Today, gather by the steps of Willard Building, in Pollock Rec Room or on Old Main Lawn; discuss these issues with other students and faculty in the classroom; or just interrupt your routine for a moment of reflection.