Gerth responds to anti-gay messages

An open letter from Donald R. Gerth, president of California State University, Sacramento to members of the CSUS campus community:

On Monday evening chalk messages in the Library quad in support of National Coming Out Day were defaced by an unknown person or persons. In accordance with the campus policy, the original messages were placed by members of a registered campus student organization, Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Alliance at Sacramento. The hateful drawings, which altered the statements, were ordered removed.

As president of California State University Sacramento, I call to the attention of all the we have collectively made in the university's strategic plan to be a campus community "... of mutual tolerance, respect and curiosity. We are committed to the abolition of bigotry in all its forms."

CSUS has a policy of non-discrimination, which includes discrimination based on sexual orientation. It is important to me and this university that all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, physical handicaps or sexual orientation, are provided the respect they are due.

Freedom of speech is a right to be protected and honored and we will do so at California State University, Sacramento. However, in upholding this constitutional guarantee, respect and tolerance for others becomes even more critical.

If the person or persons who did the defacing are identified, appropriate action will be taken. If anyone has knowledge of the incident, please call the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, at 278-6060.

The Multicultural Center, as well as other university offices, will continue to develop programs and opportunities for students and others to understand diversity and encourage tolerance and respect for differences.