On March 13, I received an e-mail from MSU President M. Peter McPherson entitled, "Diversity: A Community Value," which addressed and encouraged racial diversity within our campus community.

Less than one week later, The State News printed an article regarding the unfair circumstances surrounding the resignation of a former Mason Hall assistant hall director. The graduate student was forced to resign because she was a lesbian who chose to formalize her relationship with her partner.

I question McPherson's e-mail that stated, "Everyone who lives and works here has a right to expect an environment free of discrimination and harassment."

The actions of "university officials" against the former assistant hall director and the words of our president confuse me, as they seem to be conveying two different messages. While we're being told that we should be more respectful of each other, MSU is passing resolutions preventing students in same-sex relationships from leading a normal life. That is not endorsing diversity, that is encouraging discrimination.

I found it interesting McPherson saw fit to speak to the racially motivated atrocities happening of late, but when asked to comment on this situation, he declined. If "advancing diversity within community" is a "mandate to us all," then perhaps that "all" should be expanded to include the policymakers of this university.

Collin Frazier
theater sophomore