The members of the LGBT Initiative Advisory Board acknowledge every student’s right to voice their opinions. One of the roles of a university is to promote and facilitate dialogue. We would, however, remind readers of The University News that the views expressed in the Nov. 3 article, "Some students take issue with LGBT Initiative," use the same arcane arguments that have been used for centuries to keep women, African American/blacks, Latino/Hispanics, people with disabilities and other groups targeted for oppression "in their place."
It is an unfortunate and illogical notion and a reflection of majority privilege to assert that the struggle to obtain basic civil rights somehow causes the people in the majority to be treated as "second-class citizens." In reality, the members of the LGBT community are the ones who have been targeted for discrimination as they are:
- Harassed and attacked for being open about who they are;
- Harassed and attacked for being open about who they love;
- Denied the legal rights, protections and benefits that go with marriage;
- Denied the right to serve their country openly in the military;
In addition:
- In many states “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” are not included in nondiscrimination policies and statutes concerning employment, housing, etc.; and
- “Sexual orientation” and “gender identity” are not included in national hate-crime legislation despite continued violence aimed at those individuals who are perceived to be members of the LGBT community.
Contrary to what critics would have your readers believe:
- LGBT people are a vital part of the success of Kansas City and UMKC.
- An overwhelming majority of Americans believe that LGBT people should have equal protection under the law.
- There are thousands of gay religious conservatives, gay republicans and engineers—LGBT individuals are everywhere.
The attitudes expressed in the Nov. 3 article demonstrate the need for both the LGBT Initiative and the continuing work of the UMKC Diversity in Action project. They are also clear indicators of why LGBT students and their allies may feel unsafe on this campus and elsewhere.
The word "education" is derived from the Latin “educare,” meaning "to bring out of, to lead forth." Education, then, is the pathway that leads one out of the darkness of ignorance into the light of knowledge. We are hopeful that during their time at UMKC, those who are so set on targeting and discriminating against the LGBT community are able to find their way to that light.
Sincerely,
Members of the LGBT Advisory Board:
Walter Boulden (235-5878)
Joel A. Brown
Dana Collins (235-1116)
Becky Decker (235-2250; 523-6464)
Jim M. Giles (461-1897)
Linda Lawrence 235-
Jamie Rich (931-4420)
Nathan Shatto (235-6260)
Jim Wanser (235-1226)
Maria Williams (235-1638)
