Applying to colleges last fall, I decided on my first choice, Penn State. I overlooked the controversy unraveling on campus.

However, reading the Collegian article on Sept. 5 about the Libertarian Party handout, entitled "Slur used in Libertarian flier," makes me question my safety here in State College.

Now that I'm here, I see just how unethical it is to ignore and downplay the severity of racism.

Julian Heicklen's use of the word "nigger" is equally offensive and degrading.

Capitalizing on last year's heightened racial sensitivity in order to gain attention, publicity and potentially more votes is malicious and a mockery of the university's social problems.

Despite his claim that his intentions were innocent, I can't understand how he thought his message would be conveyed as appropriate rather than cruel. If his objectives were so incorrectly interpreted, why hasn't he or the political party he represented issued a retraction?

Although few may support it, the vast majority of the community sees nothing but racist intent in the literature.

When do we draw the line between freedom of speech and hate mail? Why does the university's policies have holes that racial slurs and bigotry can seep through?

The university has a responsibility to stop the handout because its harmful effects are threatening students.

I've chosen Penn State as my school and community, a place where diversity and citizenship is encouraged.

But when someone stands right outside the university's gates and defies the goals of the institution, how can we measure our progress? The root of the problem is fear, and in my mind, Heicklen and his flier has won that battle of instilling it.