Letter: Dear student community

To the Editor:

For what it is worth, I wanted to express how proud I am for the way in which you have responded to the recent incidents that have challenged our sense of community inclusiveness. I echo the opinion piece that senior Jordan Wade wrote in the April 17 issue of The Collegian. I have been a part of the Student Development staff at UR in the 1980s, early 90s, and again since 2002. It is hard to put into words the joy I feel in students now uniting to express their expectations of this community.

Since the incident in the Cousins Theater, I have witnessed numerous forums, a teach-in, the creation and distribution of "No Ignorance, No Prejudice, and No Excuses" T-shirts, ribbons, signs, banners, poignant statements by Dean Newcomb during the Arts and Sciences Honors Convocation, widespread support for "The Meeting" play and, of course, an electrifying inauguration speech by President Ayers.

For your solidarity against hate, injustice and prejudice, I say thank you for taking strong actions towards making our community a better place. Many, including myself, have grown from your responses.

Best wishes as you study for exams,

Steve Bisese

April 24, 2008

The writer is the vice president for student development at the University of Richmond