<p>FWIW - One thought from a DU parent-to-be. Just because my boys are heterosexual athletes does not mean they are “meatheads” who condone intolerance/exclusion toward others. It seems to me that a contrary assumption was suggested above, in the course of advocating for changes in student recruiting. Isn’t that type of blanket stereotyping (i.e., athletes create an intolerant community) something we want to avoid, both in principle and in practice? Treating each member of a community with a presumptive respect, rather than a pejorative label, would seem the wiser way to teach appreciation for individuality and diversity. </p>
<p>We watched and discussed the recent campus controversy at Denison – at precisely the time my second son decided to apply ED (choosing DU over a number of top tier LACS and natl universities) and was completing his application. It prompted us to talk about tolerance and prejudice, to recognize that sometimes doing nothing is doing something. We wandered into topics like why gay adoption and civil marriage make sense to both of us. These incidents and the ensuing responses helped to emphasize the potential difference that each individual student can make in the community each day, sometimes by simple acts of civility. So airing the issues and examining what changes might improve the campus climate were pluses to us. </p>
<p>Bad things will happen – it’s what you do about it that counts – that reveals your character. DU spoke up instead sweeping controversy under the proverbial rug. In our view, many DU students have showed good character in their response thus far.</p>