Editor’s Note: The following excerpts are from the Boston University Student Union/Spectrum proposal to amend the University’s anti-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation, which was sent today to President Jon Westling, Chancellor John Silber and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Earle Cooley.
We, a group of Boston University students representing the leadership of the Student Union, Boston University Spectrum and many on-campus student groups, feel it is of vital importance that our school recognize the unique position of its gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) students. As a community of students, faculty and staff, we feel that the best interest of all members of that community should at all times be the highest priority. Unfortunately, we do not feel that the best interests of our GLBT classmates are currently being met. This is why the large and diverse group working on and supporting this proposal are thoroughly committed to working with the realization of the following goals as soon as possible.
GOALS
1. That the words “sexual orientation” be added to the protected human differences enumerated in the nondiscrimination policy of Boston University.
2. That sexual orientation be included in the discussions of both diversity and discrimination/harassment in the Student Lifebook and University handbooks.
3. That residence assistants receive training to respond to resident personal issues, interpersonal conflicts and discrimination based specifically on sexual orientation.
4. That sensitivity toward sexual orientation be applied to all aspects of University policy — as has sensitivity toward sex, race, ethnicity and religion — including the revision of benefits packages for employees to include same-sex domestic partners.
These goals are listed in order of their importance to us. Although we emphasize that we are committed to all of them, we feel that without the change in the Equal Opportunity/Nondiscrimination policy, the climate of the school will not be one in which the remaining three goals can be perused.
Because we would be protecting all individuals at the University from discrimination based upon their real or perceived sexual orientations, that physical security and freedom from fear would be extended to all students, faculty and staff. The Boston University gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered community — as well as heterosexual individuals, who are also harmed by the same oppressive attitudes — would be, in turn, more secure, more stable and more empowered to accomplish great things for the University.
RESPONSES TO
ADMINISTRATIVE
CONCERNS
1. Discrimination against gays and lesbians does not exist at Boston University, or happens very rarely, therefore no clause is needed.
This indicates that there is rampant discrimination against groups which are protected by the policy (women, religious, ethnic and racial minorities), also indicating that BU is an extremely unsafe environment for any group traditionally discriminated against.
2. A provision in BU policy is not needed, because students are already protected by Massachusetts law.
According to Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), it is NOT clear that Massachusetts Law protects GLBT students at BU. Although students are protected from discrimination based on sexual orientation at public schools, there is no clear guideline for private schools.
3. The words “sexual orientation” are vague, and could be construed to include such damaging activity as pedophilia and bestiality, holding the school liable for rejecting someone on the basis of such behavior.
There is a clear cultural and legal precedent for the claim that “sexual orientation” does not encompass any inherently harmful or illegal activities. In fact, the overuse of this argument by the administration has been degrading to GLBT students at BU, because of the implied connotation that there is no difference between themselves and child molesters. These sorts of misunderstandings are part of the reason that a sexual orientation clause is needed at all.
Boston University exists within a nation and a world where discrimination and violence affect the lives of multitudes of people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and heterosexual. We believe discrimination and violence has no place in any vision for Boston University. But, at present, incoming students, staff, faculty and administrators are given no specific provision for protection and tolerance.
4. The school cannot adopt a nondiscrimination policy toward open gays and lesbians because of the presence of the Reserve Officer Training Corps on campus.
Although the armed services still actively discriminates against openly gay and lesbian applicants, schools such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have shown that an ROTC program can be supported while still maintaining a policy of equal opportunity toward sexual orientation.
CONCLUSION
People who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or thus perceived, need to know that they can be protected by the police force, the residence assistants, the Office of the Vice President and Dean of Students, and, more importantly, that the administration recognizes and supports them in their struggles. Individuals who have been taught or allowed to discriminate based on sexual orientation have inadequate guidance to show them that such actions are not acceptable and will be punished by the University.
The Boston University Student Union, Boston University Spectrum, and the rest of the BU community who have participated in this project hope that you will work with us to let this University shine as an example to others of the rejection of the misguided groupings, discrimination and hatred with which society has grappled for too long.
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