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Show 8 THE DAILY UTAH CHRONICLE TUESDAY. MARCH 6, 2001 Not Tolerating Old Hate Editor: This is Jayvort Byrd from the U Force party, and I just read Monday's edition of The Daily Utah Chronicle. One word comes to mind. ..WHOA! From allegedly homophobic cancomedididates to ans, is this the same University of Utah our parents went to? Of course it is; the only difference is that now this kind of behavior is not tolerated in fact, it's being exposed. In my opinion, these issues have been and still are deeply rooted in this institution's foundation (probaof the conservative bly a nature of the state). However, I do see some hope. my During campaign I was approached by many students. However, one devoted student from the Latter-daSaints Institute of Religion stands out the most. She approached me kind of boldfaced and said.Tm an Institute student and I was wondering if yours was the party that said you would support gay marriages and have the hate-motivat- side-effe- ct y people acknowl- residential-livin- g edge gay couples." stood there for a minute bracing myself for a good lashing when she said. "I think that is awesome!" For the first time, I was at a loss for words. I sincerely thanked her, and she I confidently walked away (I think she could see the shock on my face). Anyway, my point is that, yes, there are many biases at the university, be they related to Mormons, race, sexual orientation, or even student-clu- b affiliations. The key is to not focus on those who have these beliefs but those d who don't and are enough to learn about other kinds of people. Within every student group there are those who are curious and want to interact with people completely opposite themselves. It is interaction that fosters understanding, tolerance and, ultimately, respect! Even though my party didn't make it into office, my hope is that the remaining two really take these issues seriously and address them. I also found it a bit humorous that one of the parties used "the Church is true" to lure in more votes. Perhaps that will be a rude awakening for the rest of the student body to get out there and vote and become part of the solution instead of complaining about the problem. Although we got close to 3,000 students voting in the preliminaries, when the total population is close to 27,000 it's nothing to brag about! The Frightening Nature of Threats IP; CHARLES MILNE LGSU Co-Vic- e President open-minde- JAYVON BYRD Sophomore, Ballet Throughout the recent campaigning for offices in the Associated Students of the University of Utah, much emphasis has been put on diversity. During the debates, candidates have been questioned about their views of diversity on our campus. It is general consensus among those running for office that exposure to diversity enhances the educational experience, and should be promoted at the U. As Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered, or LGBT, students, we feel we are a valid part of the diversity of our campus. To their credit, both parties on the ASUU presidential ballot have publicly stated that they are in support of the Lesbian and Gay Student Union as an organization, as well as the creation of a LGBT Resource Center on our ' campus. It is from these public remarks Fart time cartoonist and an opinion columnist. and the respective party platforms that we as individuals have drawn our conclusions about the candidates. LGSU does not endorse candidates, nor are our members encouraged to vote for a specific If interested, apply at union 240. LGSU has always been and will always be a forum where we can Ask for Scott, freely express concerns and develop a dialogue about many different aspects of diversity. Wanted: party. ASUU and the U administration have been very supportive of LGSU's efforts throughout the last year, and we greatly appreciate the encouragement we have received from the current office holders. ASUU and the university administration have been supportive both in funding and in supporting our initiative for an LGBT Resource Center. We expect no less from whomever is elected to replace the current , ing was defaced. officials. The campus community needs to understand that such bigotry win not be tolerated. - We feel that, as a student organization, ASUU should be sup-- ; portive of other student organizations and of the effort to better serve the campas population. The efforts of LGSU and many other student groups best reach the campus population due to the msny different sections of campus they contact. Of utmost concern to LGSU is the ill treatment cf i General d Assembly candidate who to be gay. Although there have been many posters and banners vandalized during the campaign, it. becomes of utmost importance when you attack a person's character. Orson Spencer Hail because of its central location, is often the most decorated building on campus as far as campaign postings. In disregard to the hard work of those individuals who chose to run for ASUU office, most of the campaign material in that build- , In particular, "the campaign posters of Francis X. Lilly, running for Assembly from the College of Social and Behavioral Science, had defaming remarks written on his posters relating to his sexual orientation. These slanderous remarks have turned M'hat could have been a random act of vandalism into an attack on an "individual, and on the LGBT community at large. The campus community needs to understand that such bigotry will not be tolerated; Sexual orientation is a protect- ed class within the university's nondiscrimination clause, and, therefore, such an act is grounds for suspension for a university student . harv-pene- , . ' During our time together at this institution cf higher learning it is Important to create a .dialogue among all students on this cam-- . pus, and learn from these who have vievs .different from our Learning to respect each other's opinions and open ourselves to new ways of thinking should be a goal cf every member of our campus community. It is our hope that ASIHJ, the adralaisuation, and all involved look upon the events of the past couple of days as a learning experience that will result in greater" understanding and a strengthening of all of us at the U. Higher Education had a big year at the Legislature and University of Utah students played a major role in getting this package. ASUU and the Utah Student Association organized a successful and effective lobbying effort. Tflr 00 u 31 College Night and the Rally at the Capitol were key to our success. Congratulations and thank you to lobbying activities and the rally. all who participated in We would like to recognize the No Bull party for their great support by bringing the to the rally. And thanks to the Innovation, U Force, and Unity parties who most-participant- s s ' also participated. - flip . |