Posted on 02/01/2002 10:13:49 AM PST by Hacksaw
Editor’s note: The following is submitted by a student leader who plays a role in campus events. Newsmaker columns appear periodically in The Pitt News.
I am extremely concerned by the posters that were found on campus this week. Although the flier itself was an immature act, it’s a reflection of a prevalent problem on our campus.
While it is clear that homophobia is present on Pitt’s campus, this flier is just one of many instances proving this. It is hard for me to accept that prejudice is so common. Actions like these are unacceptable and organizations like the Rainbow Alliance have been working hard to promote understanding within the student body.
This job is made very difficult when the administration will not set the example. The University of Pittsburgh cannot claim to support the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning (GLBTQ) (my note - the list of "sexual minorities" keeps getting bigger and bigger! GLBTQ? Sounds like a sandwich!) community when, instead of offering basic resources such as employee same-sex benefits and student resource centers, it offers us empty promises and stalling tactics.
The flier incident is proof that our campus is in need of educational resources to battle prejudice in all underrepresented communities on campus. There is a clear demand for a GLBTQ Resource center, not to mention the already promised Women’s Resource Center and African Heritage Center.
Seven months ago, the University put together a commission to determine the plausibility of providing same-sex health care benefits to its employees. It promised a decision six months from last June. The University community has yet to be offered any results from this ineffective commission.
It is ridiculous to think the University is making a proactive attempt to curb homophobia on campus. Time after time, we see the University ignores issues important to my organization and community.
Days after the unproductive commission was instated, the University named the Ballroom in the Masonic Temple after a man who, in a deposition, claimed that homosexuals should not work in childcare. J.W. Connolly is a relic of darker times, but the feelings he fostered at Pitt still linger to this day.
Homophobia is inexcusable in any setting, but why are we surprised that childish incidents like this flier exist? We see this flier and we are appalled. I must ask the administration if they are equally appalled? You have not responded to past homophobia. This flier must evoke a response.
If the University as whole will not respond, then how long will it be before a more serious incident occurs? What happens when immature pranks turn into violent attacks? The University is not prepared to battle homophobia, and it refuses to prepare itself.
Sandra Telep is President of the Rainbow Alliance.
They want their own center for the gays, lesbians, etc? They don't want equal opportunity and protection...this is proof they demand preferences. Tell 'em to pound sand.
The really "homophobics" are the people whose conscience tells them it is wrong but fear being labeled a "hater" and cave in.
As far as gays in childcare....it bugs me that sexual behavior is even brought up in regards to children. Do we say "adulterers can't be in childcare" or "fornicators can't be in childcare"? Puhleease get real! Shut up about sex. Are you a criminal? Do you know how to change diapers and prepare formula? Do you have a cheerful disposition? Can you handle not flaunting any kind of sexual anything for a few hours while you babsit? These are the questions that matter.
Homophobic flier: male passenger who prefers female cabin attendants.
Blah, blah, blah, ad nauseaum.
Puke.
:
This particular incident may, or may not have been crafted by some lonely, pathetic individual (or group) looking for attention, though.
With the article tying in the same sex health care, it may be from a sweetheart of a professor. Or maybe, even, a contractor looking to score big with a contract on the GLBTQ community center.
Since Cincinnati_Steve recalls a similar controversy at his school, the question becomes: Who would duplicate the flyer, some frat boys going out their way to make themselves look stupid or the GLBTQ/NAMBLA set looking for endowments, special accommodations, acceptance, etc?
I'm not homophobic. Indeed, they can sodomize each other in a big hairy, swirling mass. I don't care. Just don't make me see it, and if you insist on telling me about it, I will insist on clonking you upside the noggin' with a length of maple stock.
("You" is used in the generic sense here, Jackliberty...I'm not directing this rant at you.)
Incidentally, I'm not homophobic, either. Homodisgustic would fit better.
Save our natural resources; don't use maple stock, use rocks.
They have been.
Hence the term: martyr.
Ack! horrible mental image, must poke out own eyes in self defense...
That is my suspicion. There is a campaign going on to force Pitt to provide gay marriage benefits. Interest in it has died down (not that there was much to begin with except for a loud group of students) and this may have been a way to get some press. During the bru-ha over the gay marriage benefits, the advocates (probably the same people complaining about the "homophobic" fliers) printed up fliers of their own slandering the university board.
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