There are many resources on this campus which can help students address personal challenges and difficulties. Mental Health Service, the Bureau of Study Counsel, In Common, Room 13, Response, friends, and family can provide great help for those who seek them out. But they can do very little to help those who suffer in isolation.

Students who do seek help and support should not be discouraged, whether openly or subtly. Rather, they should be encouraged to make use of these valuable resources. No one should be made to feel like a failure when they seek out assistance. Few of us would be here without support from family and friends. And few can make it through their entire educational and professional careers without continuing encouragement.

Even more important, though, is that we devote ourselves to eliminating such stresses and problems at their source. The Harvard environment and institution should help us to overcome our difficulties, not cause them. We cannot rely upon counseling and support services to make up for the limitations of our community, but must instead work to make Harvard a truly supportive place. University support networks are necessary, but should not serve as a band-aid for underlying institutional imperfections.

The free and open exchange of ideas is integral to our academic mission. Such freedom and inclusion must extend to all aspects of the University and to all members of our community. We must care what all members of the community experience and believe, listening to their ideas and humbly and unselfishly implementing appropriate solutions to address any problems.

Throughout this institution, significant and avoidable stresses are happening every day. Some victims are more able to deal with them than others, so we may not all hear about them as often as they occur. But we must all stand up for the rights and responsibilities of every member of our community. No one should ever be told that they are worthless or stupid nor fear repercussion for speaking against those in power. No one should ever suffer verbal, sexual, or physical abuse or harassment nor be told that the things they care most about are unimportant. No one should be told that their viewpoint and opinion do not matter nor be forced into following arbitrary programs. No one should feel they are not able to speak freely nor lack a forum in which to do so.

We must all be conscious of how our words and actions may affect others and be sensitive to different viewpoints and backgrounds. Even if we do not mean a comment or action to be taken personally, be aware that it sometimes may be.

We must have a real expectation that we will not be victims of mistreatment or inappropriate behavior on the part of others. And if such transgressions do occur, there must be an unbiased and real mechanism for dealing with them without fear of reprisal against the victims. Students, faculty, and staff must all be responsible for their actions and be held accountable for their behavior when it goes over the line. Too often, problems remain hidden with many victims suffering in silence and others choosing to leave. Tragically, a few students are so affected that they give up their dreams or even their lives.

As we enjoy the enormous benefits and high quality of this university, we must be aware of the stresses it can put on all of us, both personal and collective. The tragic events of last week should remind us that not everything is perfect. But, working together as a community, we can and must openly address our shortcomings to enhance the academic and personal experience for all of us. Our commitment to excellence demands nothing less.

Adam P. Fagen is a fifth-year graduate student and President of the GSAS Graduate Student Council.