|
VCU students, faculty and staff make their voices heard
March 11, 2010
Attorney General Ken Cuccinnelli recently challenged the current non-discriminatory policies of public universities and campuses in Virginia by stating there was no legal obligation to embrace and protect gay students and employees.
As a response, VCU quickly organized five forums this past week. In addition, on March 10, hundreds of VCU students, faculty, and staff rallied to share their experiences in response to Cuccinnelli’s opinion. During this event, VCU faculty member, Dorothy Fillmore, stated, “The homosexual agenda is the same agenda as everyone else.” A VCU student added, “If we allow them to push this through, we have to wonder...who's next?” After the rally concluded, a demonstrative march to the State Capitol took place. Students and local activists demanded their voice to be heard by their legislators.
Organizations and individuals in Richmond argue that Cuccinnelli’s opinion was never meant to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation; instead, his intent was to protect those who disagree and speak up with the homosexual agenda and would be punished in the public university setting. Other critics question the integrity of the VCU community – how can students organize concerning gay rights, yet not organize a movement protesting the increasing costs of tuition, crime at VCU, and other factors.
Governor McDonnell published a statement on March 10 countering the efforts of Attorney Ken Cuccinnelli. Current policies will remain in effect.
So, what’s next? How can you get involved? What actions, if any, need to happen now? Here are a few ideas:
|