Davison responds to homophobic marks

A disturbing homophobic comment, written in black permanent marker, was discovered by two Davison house team members on one of the fourth floor bathroom stalls of Davison House on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 25. In response to the incident, the Davison house team held a mandatory general dormitory meeting last Monday, Oct. 3 in its Multi-Purpose Room (MPR), providing students the opportunity to express their reactions to the comments, brainstorm ideas on how to make amends for such behavior and discuss how to continue to uphold Vassar's values as a community.

The graffiti, which read "dick sucking faggot puked here," was found copied onto another bathroom stall in the first floor annex area the same day. "I was in awe," said Davison House President Doug Greer '14, expressing his immediate reaction after learning about the vandalism. "My heart stopped. I was completely shocked."

In response to the remarks, an investigation has been launched by the Campus Life Response Team. The investigation is still ongoing, but unless somebody steps forward as responsible it is unlikely to produce any substantial results.

The dorm-wide meeting included around 120 Davison residents, the Davison House Fellows Kathy Anderson and Psychology Professor Randolph Cornelius, two members of the Campus Life Response Team, Davison House Advisor and Assistant Director of Campus Activities Mike Bodnarik, and Vassar Student Association (VSA) Vice President for Student Life Charlie Dobb '12. "Please be respectful of what people are saying," asked Davison Student Advisor Sidra Tareen '13 as the meeting began. "We want this to be a comfortable space for people to share what they are feeling." Students immediately began to speak out and reveal their outrage toward the hateful vandalism.

"I'm rather upset," said Katie Shirilla '13, adding, "I've lived here for two years, and I feel like the sense of this building as a home is hurt."

Another student, voicing a similar opinion, added how much she admired Davison residents for attending the meeting and taking the issue so seriously. "I'm outraged by this close-mindedness and insult, but I'm so happy to be here. That we're sitting here and having this open space, thank you guys for doing this. I really appreciate it," she said.

Following individual reactions and opinions, the meeting addressed how the issue should be handled and what can be done to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. "You have the opportunity to make any change you wish to make," said Bodnarik. "It's all about how you choose to move forward. It's about who comes after us. Not just in your time here, but in the whole history of the College. We need to think about the space on campus, how we're being inclusive or exclusive, and re-create a safe place."

Davison residents eagerly proposed their ideas. Greer and other house team members also encouraged students to email them with any other project ideas, concerns or how to approach the VSA. Ultimately, three proposals were adopted: colorful post-it messages in the Davison MPR wall, a large artistic display to make a statement at Sunday's Harvest Fest and a permanent structure (possibly made up of handprints and personal messages) in the College Center. Both members of the Campus Life Response Team reminded students about the various crisis reponse resources available to students on campus.

"I am so proud of every one of [my fellow residents] for coming here, for listening," said Anderson after observing the students' eagerness and commitment for finding a resolution. "I love living in Davison. I feel like [my fellow residents] are my family."