In recent days student members of the Penn State community have been the targets of bigotry and epithets related to sexual orientation and race. While individuals are free to hold and express such opinions, their determination to use public forums to deliberately berate and harm fellow students serves to undermine a healthy living and learning community. Furthermore these words and actions stand in sharp contrast to the values held by the vast majority of our community members - the values of acceptance and inclusiveness.

On behalf of the Penn State administration, we can assure members of the Penn State community that we will not waiver in our commitment to foster a welcoming campus climate and an inclusive and cohesive learning community. Acts of discrimination only make us more determined to engage the entire community in efforts to rid our campus of hatred and intolerance through education and acceptance.

We are proud of the students who have had the courage to speak out against these hateful words and we are grateful for the outpouring of support students have demonstrated for those targeted in recent days. We urge all Penn State students, faculty and staff members to join us in our ongoing efforts.