To the editor:
I have become aware of some mistakes that were made in preparing the campus for our Open House visitors.
It is my understanding that several individuals on Thursday asked Buildings and Grounds workers to spruce up specific areas of campus. Their request included asking crew members to remove specific gay pride language in some of the chalkings, an action which is not in keeping with the spirit of free speech on our campus, a long-standing institutional policy.
My office has also looked into the removal of several rainbow ribbons on campus during the week. We believe that these ribbons were in fact collected by individuals; they were not removed by the University.
Tufts University values and encourages free speech - and respects the right of self expression. Please accept this letter as a formal apology to all members of the Tufts community.
Mel Bernstein, Vice President Arts, Sciences, and Engineering
