I just don't understand.

In a world that is fraught with challenges and with inequalities, why do people engage in hate?

We live in a remarkable country: a country that affords us the freedom to live and work where to like, the freedom to cherish thought that is not constrained by political, religious or ideological dogma, the freedom to walk with whomever we chose, where-ever we want to go. This is an incredible privilege. So why engage in hate? Why harbor feelings where you wish to degrade another human being? Living in a country where the privileges of freedom are accorded to us brings with it responsibility: responsibility to act with dignity and care for everyone around us and a responsibility for all of us to take action against the pernicious, petty-minded and cowardly acts of those who seek to incite hatred.

I ask the University and the wider community to join me in speaking out against hatred and helping our community share and practice values of tolerance and acceptance for all.