1/25/99

I am responding today to a memo, distributed by members of Student Senate and other people of conscience, asking for a public statement concerning hate crimes and calling attention to recent hate-crime deaths, including Matthew Shepard's. I will speak briefly about Matthew because he was a student, similar in many respects, to students you might encounter at Ohio University.

Matthew, as you may know, attended the University of Wyoming and was slain last year in a murder of unimaginable cruelty. All lives are precious, of course. His would have enriched society because of his service commitment. Had he had lived, Matthew reportedly hoped to be a diplomat in the foreign service.

He was gay and that made him a target of hate-mongers.

Upon learning about Matthew's death, President Clinton said, "There is nothing more important to the future of this country than our standing together against intolerance, prejudice, and violent bigotry."

I echo that sentiment as president of Ohio University.

I also support an important plea in the memo that I received. It asks university and community leaders to "make a public statement" about our positions "on this issue and a commitment to fair and expedient justice for those that commit or encourage hate crimes."

I can assure you that Campus Security and, if appropriate, University Judiciaries, will investigate, process and/or adjudicate incidents of hate crimes in a fair and expedient manner. They have stood ready to do so, of course, because hate crimes violate the Student Code of Conduct.

The memo that I received, accompanied by a petition expressing concern about hate crimes, also emphasizes: "We need you to take a stand on this issue, if for no other reason than to insure that Matthew Shepard did not die in vain."

While I have not taken a public stand on any specific hate crime, I do care deeply about the safety and wellness of every student, not only on this campus but on every campus. Universities should be bastions of enlightenment and leadership. As president, it has been my role to promote broad principles that inspire discussion about and/or address a wide range of social issues, from high-risk drinking to hate crimes.

I have and will continue to do this.

Shortly before Matthew Shepard was slain, I had the chance to speak to incoming students. I told them about Ohio University's core values, one of which is diversity. I explained that "diversity means that we treasure the opportunity to learn from the differences among us. We do not tolerate racism, sexism, or any 'ism' that harms others."

Our commitment to diversity and other values can be found in a program we call PATH, emphasizing Personal Accountability, Trust, and Honor. Students who are personally accountable, who show trust and act honorably toward others, not only do not commit hate crimes but also show leadership--the very type that signers of the Student Senate memo and petition are doing in their documents.

Both documents symbolize the power of free speech, which we also treasure on this campus, from academic freedom in the classroom to press freedom at The Post, Active 7, and WOUB.

Moreover, the First Amendment can effect powerful legislation against hate crimes. Concerned citizens can present cogent arguments to legislators and other civic leaders, sparking media debate. People can also conduct peaceful demonstrations, such as the effective one we had two months ago when some 160 members of campus and community gathered on a rainy day to rally against hate crimes. Many spoke out at that rally, making sharp and pointed rebuttals to counter and cancel hate crimes and hate speech.

I commend those who participate in worthwhile social causes like this -- activities that not only help prevent hate crimes but also contribute to the community of ideas, inspiring greater levels of learning at our university. We are a learning community and both words have meaning. The pursuit of learning requires effort and commitment, and maintaining a sense of community requires effort and commitment. I believe we have strong commitment to both learning and community at Ohio University. Let's all show it in all that we say and do.