I am writing in response to the "gay rights..." article in lastWednesday's Helmsman. As a part of the dominant heterosexualmajority, I find it absolutely distasteful that someone wouldcommit an act of this nature (removing BGALA banners), especiallywhen they are in a position of authority. I have gay friends,family members and co-workers. While I may not identify with thisparticular populations views, I must acknowledge that they live,love, work, and have families just like us.
Professor Leo Connolly said he didn't think the the flags thatsupport or advertise the activities of BGALA were appropriate forthat age (high school visitors) to see. Since when did Connollybecome this group's babysitter? Certainly these high schoolstudents have seen more than we recognize.
Further, affirming sexuality is a positive thing, whatever yourpreference. In his defense, Connolly also argued he "forgot" to putthe posters back up after the language fair. It seems he alsoforgot one more that The U of M is an institution of higherlearning, and in my opinion his blow was pretty low. Just becausewe may not agree with the views of a particular minority group,whatever their agenda, does not gives us the right to commit what,in my opinion, was an act of hatred.Connolly's seemingly small actof discrimination is the reason there are even still bigger battlesover the legal definition of marriage in Washington.
Lauren Hill
Senior, Social Work
