Violence against a specific group of people is always disturbing
““ especially when it occurs next door.
Robert Grosfield, a UCLA student, was arrested and charged
Wednesday in connection to the vandalism of UCLA’s LGBT
Resource Center on three separate nights in early September. It is
alarming to think a UCLA student might be involved in such a
senseless and violent crime.
If it turns out that Grosfield or another student is responsible
for the crimes, he or she should face the most serious
consequences, including dismissal from the university.
UCLA is a safe place. Few students or administrators tolerate
hate. But this incident has shown intolerance may still exist.
Legal and administrative punishment are not the only responses
needed when a hate crime occurs. It is important for all students
to be aware of the seeds of fear and hate.
Sometimes there is a thin and all-too-frequently crossed line
separating youthful discourse from hateful speech.
The UCLA community should remember that we all have a
responsibility to turn the tide against hate, no matter its
proximity.