Vegans are split on consuming dairy products in the vegan diet... Its not so much on if its acceptable or not - but more on what reasons.
True vegans will abstain from eating dairy. This my be for ethical or it could be nutritional and could also be both in some cases.
The ethical reasons vary in many ways. The dairy cow is forced to become pregnant, in order for it to produce the max amount of milk, its all about the yields. The cow is fed steroids many different ones in fact, this increases the milk production also. The calves are not allowed to spend time with the mother, nor will it every suckle from the mother. The calve is removed from the mother to be reared for a dairy cow or a beef cow or it could even be for veal production as well. If its for veal, it will be put in to a crate. This crate is so small that the calve will not be able to turn around in its bin. It will always face in one direction and it will be unable to groom its self. This calve will be feed a steady diet of hormone-laden feed untill slaughter day.
The other reasons for abstaining from consuming dairy product are nutritional and health related. It can be as simple as high cholesterol. Many people have problems with lactose digestion. Also it could be a diabetic problem with milk protein (casein).
On top of that cheese and milk can contain small amounts of unwanted hormones that have been feed to our dairy cows, to of course, increase milk production...
You may want to take some time to think about all of these things if you are an prospective vegan. Ask yourself if its dietary or ethical, is it both? With this info I hope you can have a stronger viewpoint and understanding on this topic and it will help you in your vegan diet.