"The continuing unfolding of violence in the Middle East and the absence of any plausible approach to peace have alarmed the world. Many members of our campus community have direct ties to that region and we feel for them, recognizing their great anxiety and concern. Our greatest contribution to the resolution of this conflict is reasoned, thoughtful interaction based on compassion for one another. Deplorable acts of hate, like the recent vandalism of Hillel and the threatening letters to Chicano groups, only perpetuate a downward spiral of conflict and violence, the antithesis of a University community. Our community must stand in opposition to such acts and in favor of reasoned, civil approaches to the resolution of conflict."