Gay college students threatened, spit at: Police say NO TOLERANCE for hate crime violations [View All]

AMHERST - As Amherst College students apologized today for a homophobic incident at the college Saturday night, police said they are investigating the matter and won't tolerate violations of the state's hate crime laws.

Dozens of students gathered outside Valentine Dining Hall at the college yesterday carrying signs that said "We're Sorry Hampshire" and "I don't want to be 'tolerated.' They also asked passers-by to sign a banner that said "Please Come Back"

On Saturday night, five Hampshire College students who left a Gay Amherst Party were allegedly called names, threatened, spit at and were blocked from leaving the dorm.

Yesterday's rally was a way to show support for the Hampshire College students and demonstrate that the incident was not acceptable, said Craig C. Cullinane, coordinator of the college's support services for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students and sexual identity issues. "It's kind of shocking," he said.

Both Amherst College and town police are investigating the matter. "We don't have any tolerance" for anything that would violate state hate crime laws, said Amherst Detective Lt. Ronald A. Young. He said police have a large number of witnesses to interview.

http://blog.masslive.com/breakingnews/2007/11/students_apologize_for_gay_slu.html