A university is a special kind of community, different than any you have likely experienced before. Here we live together, eat together, learn together, and play together. When you entered the University, you became a citizen of the University community, and you are now responsible not only for yourself, but for all members of this community. Some have lived in rural areas, some have lived in urban areas. No one of us has lived closely in a community with such a mix of people.
Diversity is one of the things that makes a university strong.
Most of us will in time leave Durham, New Hampshire to live and work in very diverse communities. The University is committed to being a successful, diverse community in which each person is fully supported and respected. There is no room for racism, sexism, or homophobia here. Harassment is not tolerated. You have an obligation as a member of this community to respect and support each person in the community.