Let's Focus on Responsibilities

An Open Letter to the Community:

During the past few weeks there have been several incidents at Harvard College which have put in question our care and concern for each other as members of this community.

These incidents--the hanging of Confederate flags and a swastika flag--have spurred a lot of controversy over the issue of freedom of speech. It has also resulted in a great number of statements made by individuals on the meaning of the Confederate flag as a sign of Southern pride on one hand, and as a symbol of oppression and hatred toward Black people on the other.

Whatever side one may be on this issue, one thing is clear to all: the hanging of the flags has hurt a lot of people, has scared many and has left most of us frustrated and disenchanted with our sense of community.

Throughout all of this, there have been few in the community who question the freedom of expression rights of those hanging the flags. There are even fewer who wish to have the college administration force the individuals involved to take their flags down. Such an action would, in fact, be in opposition to the accepted mission of a university to promote expression by its community in a variety of forms.

Along with this, we must recognize the important commitment of the university to create and promote an environment in which the exercise of these freedoms is carried out with respect and consideration for all its members. Those commitments should by no means imply the passive acceptance of the hurtful and obstinate actions of these past few days. As a community, we must not be indifferent to the issues raised nor to the manner in which expressions are made. We must also not overlook the grievous ignorance reflected in these actions.

I would like, therefore, to focus attention on what I believe to be the pivotal issues emerging from these incidents: the value of civility and respect for the welfare of all, as well as the responsible use of our rights.

In a diverse community, anyone choosing to represent his or her values through a given symbol should be aware of all the values--good and bad--which that symbol represents. The swastika's and Confederate flag's associations are, I hope, clear to all.

In such a case--where there are powerful historical associations attached to a given symbol--one must be sensitive to the impact of those associations. I would hope people's individual choices will reflect an incorporation of the values of consideration and community. It would mean then, that along with the testing of the limits of individual rights, energy and care would be placed in the maintenance of a community which is responsible to and responsive to all its members.

The past weeks' incidents have sadly and deplorably overlooked our responsibilities to one another. It is most unfortunate that such a display of insensitivity can occur within our university. I hope that we can soon refocus our attention on the important questions and issues brought up by these incidents in a manner that is more conducive to learning and growth.

Let us now commit our energies to the strengthening of a community where we continue to exercise our rights along with maintaining an utmost respect and sensitivity for others. Hilda Hernandez-Gravelle   Assistant Dean of Race Relations and   Minority Affairs