The University recently announced that it will not be adding sexual orientation to the non-discrimination clause, and subsequently released the ways in which it hopes to "enhance support for gay and lesbian students." This press release claimed that it was responding to student concerns and needs. As an ally, I appreciate that the University has given some kind of response to the momentum built this year by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual and questioning (LGBTQ) and ally community. These measures, however, are not enough. They are not the response for which students are asking - nay, pleading.
If you cannot make sexual orientation part of the non-discrimination clause, and if you refuse to recognize a student-run gay-straight alliance (GSA), please recognize the efforts of the many students fighting and working for these issues on campus. The best way to recognize these efforts is to respond, publicly and explicitly, with the reasons why our requests continue to be denied. It has been many years since the University released an official statement detailing why they continue to believe that a GSA is unnecessary, or why sexual orientation does not belong in the non-discrimination clause. I am a practicing Catholic, I have studied the teaching, and I cannot find a doctrinal reason for this resistance. Are there alumni concerns? Would it negatively affect our endowment? Are there legal issues? These are questions in the minds of many students.
While it would not be a replacement for the ultimate achievement of a recognized GSA and changing the non-discrimination clause, it would put my mind somewhat more at ease if the University would make a public statement telling us why. At this University, I am being taught to ask questions and make challenges. So this is my question. This is my challenge: Why? Why not?
Respectfully and anxiously awaiting your response,
Gabriela Nunez
sophomore
Cavanaugh Hall
April 27
