Editor's note: This letter was previously published on Jumbo Slice, The Tufts Daily's blog, on Thursday, Sept. 27.
To the Editor,
I wish to share some thoughts about the allegations that have been made regarding the conduct of Tufts students at a varsity volleyball game this past weekend. We take reports of such troubling behavior very seriously. As Dean John Barker and Athletics Director Bill Gehling have noted in a letter to The Tufts Daily, the Office of Equal Opportunity has launched an investigation which will be thorough and impartial. I do not want to prejudge the results of that investigation but do want to offer some reflections on Tufts' values.
At Tufts, we expect our students to treat fellow students with respect at all times. We have a special responsibility to treat guests from other schools with respect. This commitment is in line with the very best tradition of athletic competition at Tufts.
Athletics brings us together as a community in support of our athletes and offers important opportunities to build character and leadership abilities. We certainly encourage our students to be enthusiastic in support of the Jumbos, as witnessed by the recent well-attended and spirited Fan the Fire events. But that support should never be an excuse for behavior that belittles, demeans or harasses others. Every Tufts game is an opportunity for our student-athletes and our fans to show our university at its very best. Combining loyalty to Tufts with respect for our opponents is essential.
Anthony P. Monaco
President
