Silence? What qualifies Spectrum as inactive? According to an editorial printed Oct 1., Spectrum has done nothing for the Academy’s GSA (“LAW students take first action,” pg. 10).
On the contrary, Spectrum has been nothing but proactive. After our immediate response, as printed in The Daily Free Press, we contacted the president of the Boston University Academy Gay-Straight Alliance. Spectrum wanted more information about the GSA’s standpoint. We did not wish to act impulsively and impose our agenda upon the academy students. To our dismay, the response from the GSA representatives took two weeks and provided us with nothing to work upon.
The e-board members also met with Student Union President Ethan Clay and proposed methods for communicating the BU student body’s feelings of outrage. Both groups offered their leadership, resources and meeting spaces to GSA members. A joint campaign, “Respect: Deliver the Message,” is also in the works.
In addition, Spectrum Vice President Rafael Lopez has been planning a university-wide discussion panel concerning BU campus social issues. Its goal will be to shine a light on campus problems and to provide a forum for students to suggest improvements for student life here at BU. This will be confirmed once he certifies funding.
Meanwhile, Spectrum has been facilitating dialogues between various undergraduate and graduate groups, planning a homecoming float, creating fun and educational meetings, and most importantly, fulfilling its mission statement: providing a confidential and safe environment for BU’s undergraduate Gay/Lesbian/ Bisexual/Transgender students.
Spectrum’s primary role is not that of activist group. We were founded as a social group; a support group for the GLBT community. We will reach out to those who want our help and encouragement. Committees (i.e. social events, activism) may be formed by non e-board members if they wish to do so.
BU Academy students are bright and able. There is little more that Spectrum can do for them that they cannot already do for themselves. Please keep in mind that we are an anonymous group; many of our members — much like those from the defunct GSA — are not ‘out’ to their friends and family. For some people, standing up to this injustice is not worth being outed in public. The hate is just too much.
We agree with Neal Minahan from Outlaw. Sadly, Chancellor Silber will never change his views, especially in the face of symbolic politics. We do not agree with his position but we do respect his right to create his own views. Spectrum doesn’t aim to add to the overflow of negative rhetoric already surrounding this issue. Instead, we will stay positive and continue providing support for the BU GLBT community.
Aaron Herfurth CAS ’04 Spectrum President
Rafael Lopez CFA ’05 Spectrum Vice President
Fitzann Reid SMG ’05 Spectrum Treasurer
Bret Langlois CAS ’03 Spectrum Secretary
Karen Shields COM ’04 Spectrum Public Relations