The University Record, October 15, 1996
Neal disturbed by hate messages on Diag
I am deeply disturbed by the recent incident of hateful messages chalked on the Diag, and I believe that in this case I cannot, as President, let the matter pass by without comment.
Our University holds freedom of speech as one of its highest values: we cherish it and we protect it, even and especially when the speech is considered offensive by most. However, when speech calls for violence against other members of our community, although it might be protected, it is self-evidently repugnant to the community. It transgresses against the civility and respectfulness for others that undergird our community and that create the environment in which free discourse can flourish. Such speech represents, therefore, an abuse of the privilege of University citizenship and is worthy of reproach.
Homer Neal, interim president
