Editor's note: The following is a letter issued to the McMaster community from McMaster President Peter George, 2004-05 McMaster Students Union (MSU) President Shano Mohan and 2005-06 MSU President Tommy Piribauer.

A university is a place for informed dialogue and discussion and McMaster prides itself on being a place where academic freedom and freedom of expression are encouraged and respected. Along with such freedom comes responsibility.

McMaster University is a microcosm of our world. It has a diverse and multicultural community and its members do not always agree with the beliefs, philosophies and positions of others. In the spirit of academic freedom, McMaster encourages healthy debate, discussion and respect. It does not give anyone a license to engage in hateful or hurtful rhetoric.

Over the past academic year, we have been concerned that some of the events and promotional materials sponsored by MSU clubs and campus groups have caused hurt and misunderstanding to members of the McMaster community. Language and graphics were intentionally used to be provocative. Such actions have only served to stifle intellectual discourse and inflame tensions.

Student clubs are approved, administered and sanctioned by the McMaster Students Union (MSU). Working closely with McMaster University, the MSU strives to implement policies to reflect the evolving needs of the internal community. The MSU and the University are committed to working together to ensure that all future events on campus be planned and implemented in a respectful manner.

Over the summer months ahead the student club policies and procedures will be reviewed and updated, specifically those related to event management, poster policies, room bookings and student club regulations. The updated materials will be distributed in August and September to MSU clubs, student groups, and appropriate University departments to ensure they are established for the next academic year. The updated policies will be administered consistently with all groups hosting events on campus.

McMaster is dedicated to building an inclusive and respectful community, and everyone here plays a role in helping achieve that goal. We are depending on your co-operation and support.

Peter George, President and Vice-Chancellor, McMaster

Tommy Piribauer, President and CEO (Incoming), McMaster Students Union