Late one afternoon, near the end of the first week of classes, a law student entered my office with a withdrawal slip, stating he wanted to withdraw from the law school.

He was a first-year law student and was adamant that his mind was made up.

The only information he would share was that he felt uncomfortable and was unhappy at Loyola and that he wanted to return to New Jersey.

Over the years, I have spoken with a few new students who needed to withdraw unexpectedly due to illness in the family, etc.

This was the first time I had a first-year student who was leaving so soon after the semester started because he was not happy.

Rami and I met for more than one hour. Little by little, I pieced together information: two particular students were harassing him, and it was very painful for him.

It was obvious nothing like this had happened to him before.

No names were given to me. No examples of harassment were disclosed. He said he just wanted to leave. His opportunity to make good friends at Loyola had been lost. Rami is Muslim.

I offered that this was not at all what Loyola was about, and that we did not condone harassment.

I explained to Rami that Loyola encouraged a code of conduct where the rights of persons are respected and that responsible individual behavior is a basic expectation at the law school and, in fact, at the university.

I explained that students are charged with the responsibility to refrain from dishonorable conduct, which could weaken the community of mutual trust, and that mature and morally sound behavior was expected at all times.

I reminded Rami that he could file a formal complaint with Student Affairs.

He did not want to get anyone in trouble; he just knew that this was not the place for him.

We talked for quite a while. Even when he left, I asked him not to make a final decision just yet, to think it over.

I would hold the withdrawal slip for 24 hours before processing it.

I assured him that Loyola was a place where the idea of “men and women for others” meant something.

I did not want to lose a good student because of prejudice.

Unfortunately, Rami chose to leave Loyola.

His disappointment and pain were obvious.

I do not know what could have motivated certain law students to harass Rami.

I do know that behavior which diminishes another is not good.

We strive to be a community, one that challenges each other and one that nourishes each other.

Anything done which weakens the community of mutual trust is detrimental.

The law school educates future members of the bar to be not only skilled advocates but sensitive counselors-at-law, committed to ethical norms and the pursuit of human dignity for all.

I am guided by Loyola’s Student Handbook, which emphasizes certain points.

Loyola values diversity.

Diversity enhances opportunities for personal growth through greater awareness and appreciation of differences.

Loyola’s campus community is a place where people can work and learn with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.

Any bias-related behavior can and will be subject to disciplinary action.

Although acts of terrorism on Sept. 11, 2001 brought us abrupt and monumental pain, this does not give us license for mean-spirited and offensive behavior.

While some of us are still grappling with the unreality of such barbarism, we must be careful and resolute about remaining tolerant and committed to justice and respect on all levels.

Let us not forget that we are a community, a family, one that is fundamentally decent and compassionate.

We know the difference between right and wrong.

Our true character and worth are revealed through the choices we make and the behaviors we elicit.

Stephanie Jumonville is Loyola Law School’s associate dean of students.