It is a nice gesture, but it seems not to address the depth of anger within the LGBTQ community that has been expressed in comments. As the Northwestern reported, the investigation into the crimes reported here earlier have reached an impasse.
It seems to me that we should be taking more signficant, affirmative action to make it clear that we do not share the bigoted attitudes of a majority of the voters in our state. We should make it clear that we are not going to allow either violent or casual harrassment occur on our campus.
I have posted the letter below:
November 14, 2006
Colleagues,
The passage by Wisconsin voters on November 7th of a constitutional amendment defining marriage and banning civil unions has had a significant impact on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals, and it could potentially create tensions and problems that would have a negative effect on our campus climate.
Preceding the recent election, some incidents were reported of inappropriate conduct, including harassment, toward LGBTQ members of our campus community and their allies. Even if only a few individuals are to blame for the regrettable actions and conduct, we all share responsibility for addressing the harm inflicted and for seeking to prevent its recurrence. Any actions that create an inhospitable or hostile environment for LGBTQ people will not be tolerated.
Our University’s anti-discrimination policies and complaint procedures provide an avenue for the investigation of allegations of inappropriate conduct. (www.uwosh.edu/affirm-act/aaoffice.html#IX ). We urge all individuals who have concerns about how they have been treated to file a report with the University. The University’s administration will vigorously act to address all allegations that are presented through these means.
At this time, members of our LGBTQ community are concerned that they are being targeted and that they are an invisible minority whose concerns are not being addressed. We want to assure LGBTQ people that their security and safety is, in fact, a campus priority. Toward this goal, harassment or actions that create an unwelcoming environment for LGBTQ people will be promptly investigated. Disciplinary action will be taken when deemed necessary.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people contribute positively to the life of our university. They are our colleagues, professors, instructors, staff members, and students. We ask the entire University community to affirm that one of our core values is the support of diversity and inclusivity.
Richard H. Wells Lane Earns Petra Roter
Chancellor Provost Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
4 comments:
What would you pose as a way to "make it clear that we are not going to allow either violent or casual harrassment occur on our campus."?
Do you have some concrete suggestions? From what I can see around campus this casual and violent behavior isn't limited to LGBTQ people, it is also happening to people of color and people from other cultures.
Well, we've had 46 lectures scheduled to address an irrelevant conspiracy theorist. How about few panels on civility, violence, etc..?
How about mandatory training for leaders of all student organizations?
does anyone find it coincidental that the harassment of lgbtq members has subsided substantially since deer hunting season has begun?
just a thought. made me giggle.
Post a Comment