Homophobia, Bigotry a Campus-Wide Concern

To the editors

Over the past few weeks Mather House has experienced several acts of homophobia (News, Oct. 1). As a resident of Mather House, I am ashamed and embarrassed. As a member of the Harvard community I am outraged. These acts serve as a cold reminder of the narrow-mindedness and intolerance that exists even this school, a supposed model for other colleges to emulate.

Over the past few years, we have seen a student body critical of the administration for a variety of issues, ranging from a living wage for employees to faculty diversity. As students we expect the administration to perform at a higher standard; it is time for the students to do their part too.

How can we criticize the administration when we try to make a homosexual student or proctor feel unwelcome in our own home? It is hypocritical, it is sad, and it is shameful. As a person, I will not associate myself with such acts of bigotry, but as a Harvard student and Matherite I cannot help but be associated with these homophobic acts.

It is too easy for us to just blow off what has happened and label the perpetrators as bigots and to not think about it again. How many times have we seen the same thing happen to other societal groups? We find someone guilty, absolve ourselves of any responsibility and with some act of punishment the matter is forgotten. That may be the way it is outside of Harvard's walls, but that should not and can not be the way it is here. A letter from the masters or discipline by the Ad Board does not erase the problem of homophobia, or any other kind of bigotry. Instead, the entire Harvard community must be firm and vocal in its position that intolerance is not tolerated.

Neil R. Brown '01