Dear Editor,

It has come to my attention that, on September 8, 2001, Professor Valorie Thomas was verbally and physically assaulted by two Pomona students who were under the influence of alcohol. I understand that Professor Thomas consequently filed a report with Campus Safety, which was not treated with the seriousness due it, and also with Claremont Police Department. Accordingly, the two students who assaulted Professor Thomas are still awaiting the Judicial Board process, although it has now been more than 3 weeks.

I am writing to express my concern that this situation was not given the consideration it was due. With regards to the seriousness of the assault as well as the racial and sexualized insults, I feel that this issue should have been approached with less leniency and more direct action. Anytime a member of the college community assaults another member, and in the process expresses racial and sexual epithets, the assaulting member should be given a clear and decisive message that this behavior will neither be permitted nor tolerated in this community.

I believe that it is the policy of Pomona College to downplay the seriousness of crimes committed by its students and within its parameters. I believe that this tendency has at its foundation a desire to protect the reputation of the College as well as the reputations of its students. However, I must express to you that as a student of color, and in particular a woman of color, I do not feel protected by this policy. Instead, I feel threatened by the possibility that, were a similar situation to occur involving myself, it would be treated with the kind of leniency and inattention that has been exhibited in this case. I further believe that it creates a more tolerant environment for the verbal and violent expression of hatred and discrimination on the basis of sex, race, class, religion, and sexuality, as well as others.

I strongly urge the Colleges to respond more harshly to this assault than it has previously exhibited and remind you that, as a student, I have a direct interest in the outcome of this situation. I would appreciate your honest consideration of this request and warn that, should further action not be forthcoming in a more timely and direct manner, I will take my concerns further to student organizers as well as those outside of the college community.

Thank You,

Tiombe Jones ’03