"Working to broaden the meaning of 'We Are Penn State,' this student-initiated campaign fosters civility, respect and caring in the entire university community by provoking dialogue, raising awareness and inspiring involvement." This is the mission statement and commitment of the "We Are" campaign to Penn State University.

Our "negative" posters are designed to provoke dialogue. If an individual finds these comments abrasive, they should take steps to strike negative actions from our community by taking a positive step, rather than implying they are ineffective.

For every person who notices the posters in some fashion, I argue that the "We Are" campaign is succeeding in raising awareness. In a letter, "Campaign's posters not changing PSU," Oct. 27, Anne Byrnes states that "Using abrasive messages propels these types of people to put up walls rather than self-reflect on the posters' intentions." Simply making people aware of their actions and the actions of those around them is the first step to positive change.

The "We Are" campaign is fulfilling its mission statement and goals by continuing to promote personal accountability among our students. If more individuals would take personal responsibility for their actions, there will no longer be a need for the "We Are" campaign and its mission.

But until then, the "We Are" campaign will continue to foster civility in the Penn State community.