Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings, joined by University at Albany President Karen R. Hitchcock and College of Saint Rose President Mark Sullivan, urged all in the community to preserve a climate of tolerance in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Following the memorial service on Friday in the University's Recreation and Convocation Center, Jennings held a news conference with Hitchcock and Sullivan, saying that the three "felt it was important that we reflect for a few moments and talk about what our expectations are."

"Albany is truly an international city. We have tens of thousands of students here. We reflect the world. And as the mayor of this city, I expect everyone to respect each other," said Jennings. "The senseless acts of a few individuals over the past week should in no way detract from the enormous support and unity the residents of the City of Albany and the entire Capital Region have shown. No one should be singled out because of their ethnic background or religious beliefs," said Jennings. The mayor noted that the city, like other cities, has had incidents, including two UAlbany students who were allegedly assaulted because of their Middle Eastern heritage.

"Our message is that we are not going to tolerate such incidents. It's important that we condemn any act of violence against a person because of race or their religious faith," said Jennings. "I am asking everyone to work with us, to work as a team, to help one each other."

Noting that UAlbany alone has 1,000 international students as well as many American students who are Muslims or of Middle Eastern background, Hitchcock also stressed the importance of preserving a climate of tolerance, harmony and safety for all the college and university students in the region.

U.S. Secretary of Education Roderick Paige last week urged university administrators to work actively to protect Muslim students and those of Middle Eastern descent and to respond quickly if students are attacked or mistreated.

Hitchcock noted that campus staff are in close touch with the Muslim Students' Association and are working through the International Programs office to support students, advance a climate of tolerance, and to quickly act in the event of incidents. "We are re-affirming the principles we stand for. The justifiable anger and frustration we all feel needs to be focused on the defense of our principles — to overcoming hate, not adding to it — to rejecting prejudice, not condoning it — to responding to acts of terrorism with wisdom and with balance," said Hitchcock. "This is a time we must stand together."

Public servants and educators have an obligation to teach the importance of tolerance, faith and diversity, said Sullivan.

"In trying to deal with this tragedy and the repercussions from it, we, as Americans, must honor the diversity we have always had in our country. And as we go forward, we should remember that the most important thing is to teach our students to respect one another every day of the week," he added.