A decent proposal
Gregory Leporati, Editor-in-Chief
Issue date: 11/19/08 Section: Editor Columns
Perhaps the best way to address the issue of openness and understanding is to start locally. For us, that starts right here at St. John's.
To my surprise, I realized recently that the University has no undergraduate groups on campus advocating rights of gay Americans.
But that's not to say the creation of one has never been debated. According to Jodi Cox, associate director of Campus Activities, she has heard rumors of creating one from some students during her nine years here with the University.
"There hasn't been a history [of a gay-straight alliance] on campus as long as I've been an administrator," she told me. "People have talked about it, but there has never been a uniform effort to form one."
From what I've seen, Cox is undeniably right. I've heard similar rumors from students about the formation of such an organization throughout my four years here. So, then, why has a gay-straight alliance not been created yet?
Students may be apprehensive about creating such a group at a Catholic University.
Though, as seen through other schools nationwide, this apprehension is unfounded; various Catholic schools throughout the country have officially-recognized gay-straight alliances, including Georgetown, Marquette, Boston College, Villanova, and Seton Hall.
In the case of Notre Dame, the school created a special "Core Council for Gay and Lesbian Students," which advises administrators on major campus issues. It may not be an official student-run group, but it is still a sign that the university, though Catholic, is still willing to allow representation for students of differing sexualities.
When push comes to shove, many major Catholic Universities have erred on the side of understanding and openness, not stifling the creation of gay-straight alliances or other such organizations on campus.
As seen through the results of Proposition Eight, there is still work that needs to be done. Now, more than ever, is a time when interested students at St. John's should not hesitate to form a progressive organization on campus that promotes tolerance.
And though certainly a political issue, the acceptance of gay Americans ultimately starts with individuals, and local groups can spread the awareness necessary to eliminate the narrow-mindedness and ignorance that still persists throughout much of the country.
Why should St. John's be one of the few major Catholic universities to not have such an organization for undergraduates on campus?
Quite frankly, it's a question that shouldn't have to be posed.
To my surprise, I realized recently that the University has no undergraduate groups on campus advocating rights of gay Americans.
But that's not to say the creation of one has never been debated. According to Jodi Cox, associate director of Campus Activities, she has heard rumors of creating one from some students during her nine years here with the University.
"There hasn't been a history [of a gay-straight alliance] on campus as long as I've been an administrator," she told me. "People have talked about it, but there has never been a uniform effort to form one."
From what I've seen, Cox is undeniably right. I've heard similar rumors from students about the formation of such an organization throughout my four years here. So, then, why has a gay-straight alliance not been created yet?
Students may be apprehensive about creating such a group at a Catholic University.
Though, as seen through other schools nationwide, this apprehension is unfounded; various Catholic schools throughout the country have officially-recognized gay-straight alliances, including Georgetown, Marquette, Boston College, Villanova, and Seton Hall.
In the case of Notre Dame, the school created a special "Core Council for Gay and Lesbian Students," which advises administrators on major campus issues. It may not be an official student-run group, but it is still a sign that the university, though Catholic, is still willing to allow representation for students of differing sexualities.
When push comes to shove, many major Catholic Universities have erred on the side of understanding and openness, not stifling the creation of gay-straight alliances or other such organizations on campus.
As seen through the results of Proposition Eight, there is still work that needs to be done. Now, more than ever, is a time when interested students at St. John's should not hesitate to form a progressive organization on campus that promotes tolerance.
And though certainly a political issue, the acceptance of gay Americans ultimately starts with individuals, and local groups can spread the awareness necessary to eliminate the narrow-mindedness and ignorance that still persists throughout much of the country.
Why should St. John's be one of the few major Catholic universities to not have such an organization for undergraduates on campus?
Quite frankly, it's a question that shouldn't have to be posed.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Margy McCain
posted 11/20/08 @ 8:46 PM NA
Proposition 8 passed because so many African Americans and Latinos came out in California for Obama. They voted for Proposition 8. See the Associated Press story below. (Continued…)
Steve
posted 11/28/08 @ 9:32 PM NA
This is my first semester at St. John's University and the article by Gregory Leporati, "A decent Proposal," was the first acknowledgement I have seen that St. (Continued…)
Lulaine Compere
posted 12/12/08 @ 2:23 PM NA
A brilliant piece my friend
Business Opportunities
posted 12/22/08 @ 3:00 AM NA
Change takes time. It was not that long ago that black people were considered property and they could be bought and sold. After black males got the right to vote then women were considered smart enough to get the right to vote. (Continued…)
Brenna
posted 1/31/09 @ 1:30 AM NA
This is a great article, I am from the San Francisco bay area, and will be going to school at St. John's soon, I'm happy to know that people all the way out there care for the huge cause that prop. (Continued…)
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