Lambda's Pride Week began on March 16, and many campus organizations flew rainbow flags after being approached by the organization. Klint Peebles, president of Lambda, equated the number of flags as a sign of support, stating, "this campus is becoming a progressive beacon for the rest of Nashville and Tennessee to follow."

There is little doubt that acceptance of LGBTQI is increasing; however, the flags themselves may bear little correlation to this fact and, in a way, they are even beside the point. Several members of the Greek community expressed concern over oblique social pressure, asserting that not flying the flag was equivocated to being bigoted. They felt that the flag was a political statement, and forcing a majority of their chapter to vote on that statement was inappropriate. The fact that pressure existed, however subtly, is unacceptable. Lambda promotes tolerance and diversity and PRIDE week should therefore express acceptance, not conformity.

However, this is not purely the fault of Lambda's. If anything, the pressure is merely one result of having such a close community. Many campus organizations do not espouse specific political beliefs, especially when it comes to gay rights. Abstaining from an outward statement does not imply disagreement. Furthermore, organizations and individuals who do disagree with Lambda's objectives retain the right to their beliefs.

While visibility is important, inculcating a willingness to discuss difficult or divisive issues plays a more central role in campus life. With over 6,000 undergraduates as well as a large administration, faculty and staff, Vanderbilt embodies various, often conflicting viewpoints. Mediating these differences becomes essential to maintaining a cohesive community unit.