I was devastated as I read in the Sept. 20 Marquette Tribune about a theft that occurred to some students on campus by a man who appeared to be homeless.

I am very sorry that they had to experience this, but I want to remind readers that it is not acceptable to take this one experience and then think that we should steer clear of all homeless people because they might do the same thing.

We cannot fall into the process of pre-judging that leads to racism, classism, prejudice, and discrimination. If you have a bad experience with one individual, you can not then generalize, stereotype and treat all people who are similar to that individual like they are bad-intentioned as well.

If we truly believe in Marquette's Jesuit values, especially "care for the person," we cannot outright ignore the humanity and dignity of the

person asking for change on the corner. True Catholic, Jesuit values say that we must recognize and respect the dignity and worth of every

person, especially the poor.

Over the last three years at Marquette, I have become friends with many people who have experienced homelessness through programs like Noon

Run, St. Ben's dinner program and St. James' breakfast program. I have

never had a bad experience. So please don't fall into the trap of ignorance and fear that leads to prejudice. Next time you see someone asking

for change or who looks like they may be homeless, rather than ignoring them, please look them in the eye, smile, and say hello. It's not that

difficult.

This viewpoint was published in The Marquette Tribune on September 29, 2005.