Shock and disappointment followed from a report this week of vandalism against Professor of English and Harwood Faculty Resident Valorie Thomas’ automobile.

"Last Saturday night," wrote Dean Gary Kates in an e-mail to the college community, "vandals broke the antenna and deflated the tires of [Thomas’] car. The car was parked in the special slot designated for the Faculty Resident, so there can be no doubt that the incident was aimed at her."

"I am upset and disheartened about this incident, whose only purpose can be to intimidate the Faculty Resident," wrote Kates.

After Thomas reported a confrontation with several students outside her residence in September, two of the students involved, Grey Norton ’04 and Michael Cadoux ’04, were suspended for one year, a decision that has embroiled the campus in controversy and speculation regarding the process by which the verdict was reached.

Thomas was reticent about commenting on the vandalism.

"I think that Dean Kates sent out a really accurate and timely memo about that situation. I think I’m in concurrence with the Dean’s office," she said.

Dean of Students Ann Quinley expressed disappointment in the incident. "I don’t think it’s a very compliment to our community that faculty can’t live with their families in residence," she said.

Cadoux, contacted about his pending appeal before J-Board, was not aware of the incident.

"That’s the first I’ve heard of it. I really don’t have much to say about it, except I hope it doesn’t happen again," he said.

"We need to learn lessons from this mean-spirited incident, so that as a community we can grow from it and move beyond it. I welcome your help in this effort," Kates wrote.