I notice that a lot of people, Brian Battaglia and Jason Covener included, view the recent pictures of blackface and KKK members, among others, as an issue of free speech and the First Amendment ("Pictures lead to call for resignations," Dec. 5). Though it involves that element, it is more importantly an issue of leadership.

If you are a leader in a community that supports diversity and the respect that comes with it, you should in turn believe in these principles when it comes to your life and leadership. By being in the "costumes," posting these pictures, and thinking that this behavior is acceptable, you are exhibiting more than just free speech. You are continuing to promote racism and discrimination of the people you may live with, go to class with and work with.

The actions of these people who disguised themselves create a thought: If they really feel this way toward a group of people, who else is "disguised" every day?

Leaders are supposed to be individuals that the community can trust and depend on, not question. This university found it important enough to make diversity a priority.

Being a part of this diverse campus, I will not tolerate being discriminated against in a country that was founded on a principle of all people being equal. I am convinced that if my opposition of something is so wrong that I become labeled as "left" -- radical or not -- then I do not wish to be "right."