Dear Dean Reingold: On behalf of the American Studies Steering Committee, I thank you for your response regarding the recent racist event on campus. As a program, we condemn in the strongest possible terms this act of racist vandalism. The anti-semitic slur and fascist symbol are stark reminders of the legacy and presence of anti-semitism, and of historic struggles against it. As scholars of American culture and society dedicated to social justice, we also noted that this racist inscription, and a similar incident on the campus of IUPUI, materialized at a moment when popular political debate seems to have stoked the smoldering embers of racism, xenophobia, and social division. Just as we condemn racist graffiti in the halls of Purdue, we stand against wider racist and discriminatory currents in American culture. For good and ill, the university can be a reflection of our larger society, and this occurrence reminds us that we still have a very long way to go if we hope to build a society where difference, instead of being a problem, is a solution. We, in American Studies, will continue to champion scholarship dedicated to the transformative power of diversity. It is important to remember that free speech is not cost free, and this cost is not equally shared among all people. Thus, we encourage students, faculty, and staff to continue their efforts denouncing racism, bigotry, and prejudice in all its forms and their actions supporting a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Sincerely, Rayvon Fouché Director, American Studies Purdue University G10 Heavilon Hall 500 Oval Drive West Lafayette, IN 47907