The congregation of homophobic demonstrators outside of Willard Building on Monday was an abuse of the expression of freedom of speech in the Penn State setting.

I feel that today several of my rights as a human being and as a student at this university were violated: my right to have uninhibited access to the classroom where my class is being held, my right to teach and attend class in an environment that is free of distraction and conducive to learning and my right to walk on campus as a member of the LGBT community without having to fear harassment, verbal or otherwise.

A university campus is ideally a locus of free speech, a center for the free dissemination of information and ideas, and a place where people come together to express and debate their opinions.

But allowing this to interfere with the educational process and permitting the dissemination of messages of hate creates an environment of hostility and discrimination within our community.

I feel troubled that such demonstrations are permitted on a campus that says it is welcoming to students of all backgrounds and beliefs and sexual orientations.

I should not have to feel uncomfortable or threatened while I am on campus.

I support the right of people to be able to speak freely, but it must be done in a space and in a way that does not violate the rights of others.Thank you to everybody who spoke out against the hate.

I urge you to write letters to the president of the university telling him how you feel.