During the spring, Bates used workshops, visiting speakers, and open forums to focus attention on issues of race. The programs underscored the work of President Hansen’s Campus Climate Project, established to address issues around underrepresented racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups at Bates. But vandalism — including graffiti in Pettengill Hall, for which strangers to campus were later arrested — and other incidents with racist overtones in 2005–06 strengthened the spotlight on prejudice. On March 28, a forum outside Chase Hall at noon (seen here) and an evening gathering in the Chapel drew much of the campus community. “When things happen on our campus, it is typical for our campus to come together and discuss them," said James R. Reese, associate dean of students. Photograph by Phyllis Graber Jensen