In response to the article, “U police investigate assault, role of bias,” (Sept. 24) I do not believe that the response to this incident should be dominated by knee-jerk “progressive” political correctness. Instead, the University community should take advantage of the opportunity to engage in honest – even if controversial and provocative – open discourse on race and ethnic issues in the post-Sept. 11 climate. Some people have confronted occasional, unfortunate incidents of labeling and demonization for the terrible acts of Sept. 11. However, we still live in one of the most tolerant, diversity-embracing societies in the world. Yes, ethnic and racial tensions still do exist, but through frank dialogue we can hopefully erase the fears and concerns of everyone, and learn to coexist more peacefully.