To the Editor:
The nonviolent sit-in at Bendetson Hall brought to mind words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu: "When people decide they want to be free, once they have made up their minds to that, there is nothing that will stop them."
There can be no doubt that people want to be free of discrimination. So much so that students are imagining Tufts free of homophobia, free of sexism, free of racism. Such utopian visions inspire nonviolent actions and cultures of peace the world over. Such dreams to be free from fear motivate members of our community to acts of nonviolent intervention.
From Tutu's wisdom we should expect demands for an end to discrimination to continue. Demonstrative and passionate calls for policy reform and enforcement are but a part of the larger struggle.
Coincidentally, today (Wed.) 12:30-2 p.m. in the Cabot Center Hall of Flags, Fletcher students in the International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution club are hosting a "Fletcherside Chat" on the merits and limitations of nonviolent action. I will join professors Schultz, Babbitt, and Joseph in framing the discussion.
Join either dialogue - at Bendetson or Fletcher - if you can. Peace culture and conflict resolution begins where you live, work, and play.
Dale Bryan
Asst. Director, Peace and Justice Studies program
