The Mok Spot

Dear Duke Students,
 
  Of late, we are challenged to respond to symbols and expressions of hate and intolerance. Last week, upon discovery of a swastika painted on an East Campus wall, President Brodhead noted, "The painting of a swastika on Baldwin Auditorium is a repugnant act that deserves our strong condemnation…It is a universal symbol of prejudice, hatred and the violence they can unleash. Those forces have no place on this campus or in society at large. It must be all of our work to replace them with inclusiveness, tolerance and mutual respect."
 
  This week, we have learned that the Phelps family, of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas, plans to bring their vehement anti-gay messages to an off-campus location in Durham. Though their speech may be protected under law, their hateful and hurtful message is an insult to our community, and symbolizes prejudice and hatred that could incite violence.

  This group thrives on media attention. Their actions are specifically designed to incite reaction and provoke verbal and physical responses. As difficult as it may be, the best thing we can do as a community is to deny them the attention they seek. We must counter their words of hatred with words of affirmation offered at venues distant from wherever they seek to position themselves.
 
  To that end, Duke Chapel and members of the Religious Life Staff at Duke University will be hosting a breakfast for LGBT students, friends, and allies on the lawn in front of the Chapel at 7:30am on Monday, April 20, as a way of offering support and friendship to LGBT students and allies. In addition, the LGBT Center encourages everyone to wear their Love=Love tee shirt that day and join us in this very visible show of support.
 
  We have much to celebrate at Duke. Among our special traits is the ability for our community to come together at challenging times. I am so proud to be a member of this wonderful community.
 
  Larry Moneta
  Vice President for Student Affairs