To the Editor:

In response to “Gym workers allege racism” (2/16):

The Yale Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation has zero tolerance for any act of discrimination. Neither the department nor any employee of the department will engage in a policy of racial profiling. No person has ever been denied access to the Payne Whitney Gym or any other athletics facilities based on race or ethnicity. The staff does monitor access to the gym to ensure that all users comply with existing regulations. Scheduled events such as varsity, intramural and club games and practices may at times limit or restrict member and guest access to specific areas of the gym. The Payne Whitney Gym is a very popular destination on campus and we hope that all students, faculty, staff and their guests will continue taking advantage of everything this extraordinary facility has to offer.

Tom Beckett

Feb. 17, 2005

The writer is the Yale Director of Athletics.