3 10 51 https://omeka.ursinus.edu/files/original/241cbfef661c0b8fc597e474e7612960.JPG c16353df98d73ff9122f35f0648d3a1f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource History of the GSA Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Last Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in Wismer parents' lounge there was a campus forum on the topic of free speech which seemed, in my opinion, to reach the following conclusions from faculty and students alike: I. The difference between ' hate speech' and ' intelligently expression your opinion ' can not be determined. 2. If a difference can not be determined, then a difference does not exist. Therefore, there is no difference between ' hate speech' and 'intelligently expressing your opinion.' 3. Therefore, if any action is to be taken to restrict ' hate speech' then the same action must be taken against 'intelligently expressing your opinion' since they are the same thing. 4. Therefore, no action should be taken against 'hate speech' for 'intelligently expressing your opinion' is 'one of the principles which our country was founded on' . Frankly, I found this absurd. How could an intelligent group of faculty and students assert that 'hate speech' does not exist? How could an intelligent group of faculty and students assert that the difference between one form of communication and another form of communication can not be determined? If the difference between various forms of communication can not be determined, at least in a working sense, then communication would be impossible. How could I understand what you were saying if I could not tell it apart from anything else you were saying? What? The forum then, in my opinion, went on to another near- consensus conclusion that even if 'hate speech' (what?) did exist then gay bashing (what?), racial slurs (what?) or overtly sexist remarks (what?) should be allowed because they do not infringe upon the first amendment rights of those they slander. I found this equally absurd. The only way rights can be infringed is not merely through segregation, physical violence and the denial of certain jobs, even though those forms of discrimination continue to exist. Psychological violence and discrimination in the form of language or images exists and can be shown to exist. Further, they can be shown to be more damaging than other forms of discrimination. I do not have the space to justify these statements, but it can be shown that ' hate speech ' falls into the category of psychological violence and discrimination and needs to be restricted if equality is to be achieved. I believe that it is absurd to say that a working defintion of ' hate speech' can not be reached and that the damaging and discriminatory effects of ' hate speech' can not be determined. While I have not proven either of these assertions, I did not have enough space to do so. I will attempt to do so in future letters. Until then, let us try to keep the campus forum on this manner alive, for more discussion is needed and while some of us believe that people do not have the right to express certain phrases, all of us believe that everyone has the right to debate whether or not you should be allowed to express certain phrases. -Chris Bowers Class of 1996 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newspaper article Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "Intelligently Expressing Your Opinion?" October 10th, 1995. Subject The topic of the resource Chris Bowers responds to a forum held in the Wismer Parent's Lounge about distinctions between "free speech" and "hate speech." Bowers reports that the forum concluded that hate speech cannot be easily distinguished from expressing one's opinion and thus should not be banned or punished. Bowers counters the position of the forum by stating that hate speech demeans people's identities, promotes violence, and acts as a form of discrimination. Bowers encourages additional debate on the topic, urging the campus to keep the forum alive. Description An account of the resource edit Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Chris Bowers Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Grizzly Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Ursinus College Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1995-1996 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource pdf Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource opinion article civil rights freedom of speech hate speech homophobia racism The Grizzly Ursinus https://omeka.ursinus.edu/files/original/ebba176cb9905b07a2394655b902bfd3.JPG 3c178c4fb524cdbfe42c78297b68c155 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource History of the GSA Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newspaper article Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "Homosexuality is a Choice." October 31st, 1995. Subject The topic of the resource Jennifer Ruprecht states the opinion that "homosexuality" is a "choice," arguing that the Christian Bible deems it a sin. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jennifer Ruprecht Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Grizzly Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Ursinus College Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1995-1996 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource pdf Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource opinion article choice Christianity homophobia LGBTQIA morality sexuality The Grizzly Ursinus https://omeka.ursinus.edu/files/original/a16e1f3de2a0f5b7d01c41ba2b08df45.JPG 12ba97526bbc1e4135f19f42cec6c7b4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource History of the GSA Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document URSINUS COLLEGE HELD HOSTAGE: DAY 35 "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." Do you know who said that? I f you know a lin Ie about the Bible you probably do. Evidently, given last week's :;nz:ly, many people who wrote in don't. For those people, I ask them o read Leviticus 18:22, Romans : 18-32, and I Corinthians 6:9-10. fhese are just a few examples about 'he truth ofTHECHRJSTlAN view )f homosexuality. Read it. Not what was printed last week about he BIble's view of homosexuality. Which gives me a perfect segue 110 this week's anicle. It is on truth If you listen to most liberals or the liberal news media, I think you're not g01l1g to get it. So where are you going to get the truth? Well, t"st, you can stan by reading m) column. From there watch Rush I mbaugh And from there, watch C ·Span The comb1l1allon of all these things (which includes the n:"s media) WIll gIve you what I \\ould consider the truth. Folks, n IE TRUTII lOUT IllERt (that's for you X-philcs). It may take some 100k1l1g, but you CJn' t rei) on onc source for the truth. So, in order to get you staned, I'm going to provide you with some truths. This issomewhatsimilarto Rush Limbaugh's 35 Undeniable Truths. This is also a list of future topics. I. There is a GOD. (If you'd like to debate, let me know) 2. Let me be perfectly clear: MORALITY IS OT DETERMINED BY INDIVIDUAL CHOICE! (Relativism will get you into a big heap of trouble.) 3. Homosexuality is a choice. Do the reasearch. I have. I've read Simon LeVay's work. I've read Dean Husk's work. There is no scie ntific evidence that homosexualIty is caused by genes. 4. It IS okay to be right. By that I mean conservative. It is okay to believe 111 conservative principles It Isokay to say there isa difference between right and wrong. It is okay to belIeve that people who do well 111 this world should not be pUl11shed. It IS good to stand up for \\hat you believe in. Don't be ashamed to stand up and say "This IS wrong!" It IS lime to fight for what we believe in . Folks, we members of the Republican party stand on the threshold of a ne\\ future. Our ideals will make this counl1) great. We will be a nation of independents. No longer will the government do what it wants. The government will do what we want. We will be a nation of people depending on no one but ourselves. We won't bea nation on welfare. We will be a nation that fares well in the twenty-first century. 5. If you steal, you're gUilty. If you murder, you're guilty. Period. End of story. Eric and Lyle Menendez are guilty of murder. They SHOT their parents. They RELOADED and shot their parents again. One of the first jurors said they felt sorry because they don't have their parents anymore. THEY SHOT THEIR PARENTS, THEY'RE GUILTY. 6. Dr. agy has every right to write what he dId. The anicle was poignant, well thought, and accepted by many on this campus. By calling his views closed-m1l1ded, writers are making hypocrites of themselves, because they themselves are being c1osedminded That is the first pan of the truths according to Todd. More next week. Keep your chill up; remember, we are winning. See you next week. [EDIT: clean up and format] Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newspaper article Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "Truth, Justice, and the American Way." October 31st, 1995. Subject The topic of the resource Todd Brenneman argues that Christianity condemns same-sex relationships and states that the Christian Bible's alleged position on sexuality presents the truth. He claims that "liberal" support of the LGBTQ community is a lie. Description An account of the resource edit Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Todd Brenneman Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Grizzly Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Ursinus College Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1995-1996 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource pdf Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource opinion article Leviticus morality religion sexuality The Grizzly Ursinus https://omeka.ursinus.edu/files/original/9bc5fee7983bb2823e922d4813052b37.JPG 873c39b0d2365f9ff49afcd4d6eacd76 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource History of the GSA Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Dear Editors: When reading different viewpoints in The Grizzly, it becomes apparent that the argument is not about sexual preference, but rather morality. Each of the viewpoints are based on a moral 'wrong,' whether it be a different sexual preference or hate speech. Therefore, the point is in determining how these moral positions are drawn. Morality deals with individual choice, therefore only aspects which are subject to human choice fall within their scope. To say that it is right or wrong to be pigmented 'white' or to be gendered 'womyn' would be ludicrous, because the individuals diplaying those characteristics have no means to control them. Under this light I question the view that states sexual preference differing from 'Judaeo-Christian' heterosexuality is morally 'wrong.' Sexuality is a very complex topic, so I must define it in order to use it. I will define sexuality as an attraction towards another individual which leads to a relationship being sexual in nature. This definition raises the question of whether or not 'Judaeo-Christian' heterosexuality is chosen. Do heterosexuals choose members of the opposite sex as attractive? To state that heterosexuals do choose their sexual preference would assert that heterosexuals find members of both genders sexually attractive, but only choose partners that are not of their gender. Heterosexuals that I have spoken with state that they are only sexually attracted to members of a different gender. If any heterosexual readers are sensually attracted to members of their own gender I welcome your correction Assuming that heterosexuals do not choose their sexual preference, why would one think that a homosexual individual chooses his or her sexual preference. Homosexual individuals that I have spoken with state that they too have not chosen their sexual preference, but they sImply find certain people attractive. This undermine the posItIon that it can be 'wrong ' to be homosexual It can no more be ' wrong' to be a womyn or to be black than It is to be homosexual. Individuals that state that a certain sexual preference or a certain skin color is ' right ' or 'wrong' are mistaken. This is because ' wrongness' is a moral statement which is given to aspects of individuals that can not be questioned by morality, namely aspects of one's self which do not involve choice. -Mark Turney Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newspaper article Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "The Morality of Sexual Preference." October 24th, 1995. Subject The topic of the resource edit Description An account of the resource edit Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Mark Turney Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Grizzly Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Ursinus College Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1995-1996 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource pdf Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource opinion article LGBTQ morality sexuality The Grizzly Ursinus History https://omeka.ursinus.edu/files/original/40713db6059ec208bd24964f4fa4c3a4.JPG cff7a0bae2100d6d3c14faefe0554b9f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource History of the GSA Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document To the Editor: The last few issues of The Grizzly, notable October 30 and November 12, have been full of remarks on topics that have gone a long way in causing agitation among the students on campus. There have been eloquently written letters supporting the newly formed GALA organization. There has also been a faculty member telling of the "joys" of being homosexual in a rhetorical gay-bashing effort. The existence of this organization is not opposed by me. What is bothersome is the attention that it recieves. As with any organization on campus, interested will seek out the club and participate. Refrain from giving this club any more exposure than something such as the Angler's Club. It's difficult enough to eat in Wismer without reading about this club ad nauseam. Let's let GALA become a normal part of the Ursinus community. The nausea surrounding GALA is only dwarfed by two of the articles by Mr. Woytek. First, he wrote an inconsequential editorial involving the seating arrangement in the cafeteria. Paper was actually used to print this harangue directed at the student body--unbelievable. It is human nature to continually sit in the same seat in the same surroundings. There are many classes I have been in where, although there were no seating charts, students sat in the same seat every class. This is why fraternities, sororities and sports teams dine together in the same areas. Also, at dinner, which is spread out over a longer period of time than lunch, members of the opposite sex often sit and talk with people in a forum that is not in "their territory." The mentioning that this type of arragement does not occur at other schools is simply an unfounded accusation. The last point on this loathsome topic is the terrible usage of the word "atrocity" in Mr. Woytek's editorial. If the way students congregate in the cafeteria is considered an atrocity, what stronger word can be used to describe a nefarious crime like rape? Save the dramatics--it only heightnes the amusement surrounding the topic. The last issue that I would like to address is the November 12 article entitled "The Black Hole of Greek Life." The timing of this article is poor because the IFC is considering changing pledging or banning it altogether. To let this article go without response would be sending a message to the IFC that the Greek system is not good for the Ursinus community. This is certainly not the case. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but it is wrong to treat this opinion like it is the prevailing thought throughout the campus. It comes down to a matter of choice. The people belong to the Greek system chose to pledge. Those people who did not pledge did so out of choice, too. To say one decision is better than another is simply wrong. The Greek system is fine as it is and is very willing to accommodate those students who are not Greek. This must be kept in mind by the IFC, that council headed by Dean Kane, who apparently gives the IFC the same credulity that Joe BIden gives to the Senate Judiciary Committee. To disband the Greek system would leave the social life at Ursinus in a shambles. As as far as starting an all-swimmer fraternity, I wish you luck. Unlike the way Mr. Woytck feels, the fraternity would not "offend all the frats that currently exist," but limiting your fraternity to swimmers would surely be its downfall. It is diversity that keeps the Greek system alive, and for this reason, Ursinus should work hard to keep this system intact. Christopher Phiel '92 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "Students React to Social Life," November 19, 1991 Subject The topic of the resource GALA, Greek Life Description An account of the resource Christopher Phiel expresses his annoynace with the amount of attention GALA has received. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Christopher Phiel Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Grizzly Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Ursinus College Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 19, 1991 GALA Phiel https://omeka.ursinus.edu/files/original/ff4f10bfbf658465c4b4fefa30a21154.jpg 14846c26e321a084dcc06a857a6a388c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource History of the GSA Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document To the Editor: We are writing in support of John Ronning's letter in the November twelfth issues of the Grizzly concerning GALA. We believe that Mr. Ronning made an excellent point that students confused about their sexuality should not be counseled by people who are going to push them towards homosexuality. He makes a generous offer to put people confused about their sexuality in touch with a group offering another point of view. The remarks he made concerning certain aspects of the homosexual lifestyle, while vulgar, may not hold true for all homosexuals; however, those riturals are indeed a part of the gay culture. Some of us have heard about these practices from people we know are homosexual. We know Mr. Ronning's letter outraged large numbers of the faculty, staff, and student body. [sic] some have personally attacked his character and others have questioned his employment here at Ursinus. If we are to be open minded about accepting homosexuals, why should we be disgusted by someone holding a different opinion? Brian Toleno Dennis Cunningham Jeanine Schiano Dhinesh Samuel Jamiel Ambrad Rich Ingenito Donna Lorenzo Jamie Adam Rebecca Carreon Gregory P. Cuculino ___________________ In response to Mr. J. Ronning's opinon: November 12, 1991. It seems such a shame that a professor at a liberal arts college, whose patience and guidance should be focused on preparing young minds for the future, could be so ignorant and closed minded. Haven't we, as a culture, progressed to the point where people that are different can be acepted without question, critisism, or controversy? Someone should delicately explain to Mr. Ronning that diversity among people has existed since the beginning of time. All people have their sexual preferences. Some, like myself, prefer heterosexuality, others homosexuality, others bisexuality. Still others practice bizarre forms of heterosexuality. Should heterosexuals who indulge in sodomy or "golden showers" also be ostracized for partaking in what they enjoy? Do you judge a man by his sexual preference? If your response Mr. Ronning is yes, then I am ashamed that you are a representative of the college that I attend. Do you really expect, Mr. Ronning, that your tirade will prevent homosexual tendencies among a group that already prefers that type of sexuality? That was clearly the intention of your opinion. I do not believe for a single moment that you intended to "save" gays from future health problems by presenting them with another group that might talk them out of homosexuality. The intention of your verbal lashing was simply to embarrass and shame, not help. GALA was initiated to give homosexuals an outlet that could be found nowhere else. Its secrecy is vital simply to prevent protest by the uninformed and prying members of this campus. You took an organization, with which you had no concern, and rake it over the coals simply because your views are not in harmony with it. Mr. Ronning, the right to privacy is inherent to existence of all men. In the future, please try to work out your own sexual frustrations by not criticizing others whose happiness you obviously envy. George Yacoubian Class of 1992 _____________________ Letter to the Editor: I'm upset about this whole GALA thing. I'm on the Student Activities Committee, (or as it is not called AFAC) so I had to vote on whether or not to pass the GALA constitution. After two special meetings and weeks of debate, constitution was passed. And I was one of the people who voted for this group. Once I had throught the whole thing through I couldn't find a good reason not to vote for GALA. I even took time out at a conference I went to, to go to educational sessions on homophobia I did this to sort out my personal feelings and to find out what other colleges are doing about this. Now, I'm not so sure I did the right thing. This whole situation is becoming petty. While everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, the letters back and forth in the Grizzly are getting ridiculous! The GALA constitution has been passed both by SAC and the faculty. This campus has to accept that fact. When I voted "yes" for this group, I felt good. I thought this group could do some good at Ursinus. But all I've seen so far is petty articles in the Grizzly and slander to a newspaper staff member. In her Oct. 22 article, Melisa Miller wrote about the proposal of GALA and some students' reactions to this group. All of her information came from the SAC meeting that she was invited to. Melisa Miller's article was neither for nor against GALA, it was just to introduce the idea to the student population. It did just that! I have now read two articles in the Grizzly critisizing this article. One by Michael Cyr, a member of GALA, and the most recent one, by Dr. Regina Oboler, the faculty advisor to GALA. This really upsets me! Do something better with your time to help Ursinus instead of defending yourselves against imagined slander. You are disappointing me and I am a hetersexual who has some good ideas that could help you get your club started and involved on campus. Robin Stankiewicz, 1993 ______________________ Dear Mr. Ronning, After reading your letter, I hope you do not call me mentally ill or perverted if I publicly declare myself "homophobic-phobic." Sincerely, Antoni Castells-Talen '91 Homophobic-Phobic Hetersexual Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "Students React to Ronning," November 19, 1991 Subject The topic of the resource Ronning's letter on GALA. Description An account of the resource Various students offer support for, and condemnation of, Ronning's letter. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Brian Toleno, Dennis Cunningham, Jeanine Schiano, Dhinesh Samuel, Jamiel Ambrad, Rich Ingenito, Donna Lorenzo, Jamie Adam, Rebecca Carreon, Gregory P. Cuculino; George Yacoubian; Robin Stankiewiez; Antoni Castells-Talens Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Grizzly Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Ursinus College Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 19, 1991 Adam Ambrad Carreon Cuculino Cunninghan homosexuality Ingenito lifestyle Lorenzo preference Ronning Samuel Schiano Stankiewicz Talens Toleno Yacoubian https://omeka.ursinus.edu/files/original/bcce7e619d22470a20d74b292e52199d.jpg 14846c26e321a084dcc06a857a6a388c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource History of the GSA Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Since its formation, GALA has had to put up with a lot of unnecessary crap. You may find my use of the word "crap" to be a bit crude. I could have used a nicer term like harassment, or slack. Personally, I do not find any other word that quite expresses my disgust for the article written by Mr. Ronning in last week's edition of the Grizzly. I would have never expected this "crap" to come from the mouth of a seemingly educated member of the faculty, let alone someone who teaches in a LIBERAL arts atmosphere. I may be speaking a bit harshly. I truly believe that every individual is entitled to their own opinions. Every individual has the right to is entitled to his own opinion [sic]. I know some people have not accepted the fact that the voices of the gay culture are becoming more audible each day. Some people find that particular way of life repulsive, or sick. I understand that the whole concept of homosexuality may be totally incomprehensible to many. Speaking from a heterosexual standpoint, I can not conceive what it feels like to be a gay or lesbian. There is nothing wrong with my admitting so. But, I feel that a person is a certain way for a reason and I have to respect their preferences. Being a homosexual does not make you a pervert, a partner to sheep and dogs, a child molester......it is just a character difference which does not retract from being a good or bad person. Ronning has every right to feel the way he does. I am objecting most strongly to the way he expresses those sentiments. I do not know from which source he found all of his "documented" evidence he so eloquently wrote about. I would merely like to state that sick perversions are just as prevalent in the "straight" culture, if not more so. I pity any of Ronning's students who may be questioning their sexual identity. I would advise them to keep quiet at least till final grades have been submitted. I give those members of GALA much credit for their courage during the past month. I am truly sorry for the senseless grief which has been thrown in your face. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "No More Crap!" November 19, 1991 Subject The topic of the resource John Ronning's letter on GALA. Description An account of the resource Katie Jones sympathizes with GALA and condemns Ronning for the tone he took in his letters. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Katie Jones Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Grizzly Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Ursinus College Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 19, 1991 GALA gay hetersexual Jones Ronning straight https://omeka.ursinus.edu/files/original/b331af3e1a59ee6219b53cb9f0699379.jpg 803ae069f2cffb702ff936a37d9bdcca Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource History of the GSA Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Dear Editor: For many years I have read first The Weekly and then The Grizzly with great interest. Iinfrequently, I have contributed articles, but I have never felt compelled to write a Letter to the Editor...until now. The tone of many articles in the paper recently has been disconcerting to me. It appears that students struggle to find their niche on campus, be it through the Greek system, GALA, sports teams, other formal campus organizations or an independent group of friends, only to be pigeonholed into singular beliefs and attitudes. Even more unbelievable and dismaying is the particular focus of some faculty and staff who work in a liberal arts environment but have never strayed from one narrow parth of thinking. Certainly, education thrives on open discussion and debate; however, the educational value of such discourse is lost when an intellectual exchange gives way to emotional verbiage meant only to attack and not enlighten. While eating lunch in the faculty dining room (And no, we do not sit in the same seat every day) this week, I heard someone note that America has "lost its sense of community." If that is true, Ursinus is in the mainstream. Yet, I am deeply saddened to think that along with outrsense of community, that we at the College are losing a sense of who we are and what our purpose is. I am awed to think that some of what I valued most about my Ursinus education--a tolerance of others, an exposure to new ideas and experiences, an increased cultural awareness, and a thirst for more knowledge--are being missed by some of those on campus who are easily sidetracked from our educational mission by finger pointing and feelings of self-righteousness. Perhaps it is all a matter of perspective. Nearly thirteen years have passed since my graduation from Ursinus. Now, when I am with my peers at Homecoming, professional gatherings, and friendly get-togethers, it is not so important anymore to know if we were Greek or non-Greek, atheletes or non-atheltes, heterosexual or homosexual. We are united by the same diploma. We are advanced by our exchange of ideas, however diverse. We are proud of our Ursinus experience. As one graduate wrote after her fiftieth Ursinus College reunion this year: "To me it was a real joy to meet with everyone--no one trying to 'put on airs' or 'be a big shot.' Life has beautifully matured and mellowed all of us. The dross has been burned off and we all seem to have developed as God planned us to be "There were those scarely known who have endured great hardship, suffering and loss, and yet they have emerged a beautiful, wonderful people I'm proud to have been a member of the class of 1941." This is a touching reflection. I sincerly hope it will not take all of us fifty years to come to this realization. Sincerely yours, Jill Leauber Sherman, '78 Associate Director of Development Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "A Call for Diversity," November 19, 1991 Subject The topic of the resource A sense of identity with Ursinus Description An account of the resource Alumna and Associate Director of Development Jill Leauber Sherman, class of 1978, calls on students to "unite" behind the "same diploma." Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jill Leauber Sherman Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Grizzly Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Ursinus College Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 19, 1991 attack GALA Leauber Sherman The Grizzly https://omeka.ursinus.edu/files/original/6aca51277b81a2be8e2e8926d41fa7a6.jpg 803ae069f2cffb702ff936a37d9bdcca Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource History of the GSA Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Dear Editors: In response to John Ronning's letter describing, quite graphically, his aversion to GALA, we offer the following response: 1)Sexual preference is not a matter of choice. With the exception of fundamentalist right-wing kooks, everyone pretty much accepts this principle as a fact. Numerous scientific studies have shown that "curing" homosexuals is only successful when the patients are carefully screened beforehand and have had a great deal of hetersexual experience (Davidson 1976). Other "follow-up" research shows that very few "cured" homosexuals remain wholly hetersexual. Past "cures" have included hypnosis, intensive psychoanlysis, prefrontal lobotomy, electroconsulsive shock treatment, chemical castration, aversion therapy, and many other barbaric methods (McGonaghy, Procter, & Barr, 1972). 2) At no time has GALA ever referred to the homophobic tendendies of closed-minded bigots as a "mental illness." Is racism a "mental illness?" How about sexism? Is intolerance and hate-mongering a "Mental illness?" If GALA considered your homophobia to be a mental illness, we would gladly put you in touch with a group of "ex-homophobes" that could help you avoid that short, miserable lifestyle. Of course, this offer is based on the conviction that homophobia is an unfamiliar perversion. Sound familiar? 3) Ronning's rather foolish belief that homosexuals "live with one disease after another, and die young," is yet another example of ludicrous self-delusion. Unhealthy sexual practices and sexually-transmitted diseases are not limited to homosexuals. Last week's announcement by Magic Johnson proves that point. Most gay men and lesbians today are hyper-aware of safe sexual practices. 4) Attempting to link homosexuality to all of Ronning's graphic sexual acts is nothing more than old-fashioned ignorance. Not all gay people engage in the activities he listed. Nor are these activities engaged in exclusively by homosexuals. Heterosexuals outnumber homosexuals ten to one. Statistically it is ridiculous to say that all sexual perversity is practiced within ten percent of the population, while the other ninety percent have uniform sexual practices. GALA is the GAY AND LESBIAN ALLIANCE, not the "whatever-sexual-leanings alliance." So don't ask us to open up to necrophiliacs, pedophiles, and those who practice bestiality. GALA wouldn't want that many heterosexuals in our group anyway. 5) If normal sexual behavior is not to be defined as "non-mastrubating, non-pre-marital, non-pornographic, non-oral, non-anal, non-fantasy, non-anything-but-you-and-your-spouse-under-the-covers-lights-out-missionary-position-for-producing-children-sex," then Ronning has quite a task ahead of himself. If two consenting adults engage in sexual activity in the privacy of their own home, who cares if they want to urinate on each other? Couldn't Ronning spend his excess energy feeding the poor or sheltering the homeless, or doing something more important than standardizing the sexual habits of a nation? Homosexuals are not the only group that is threatened. After we are "cured," who is next? Will these fundamentalist right-wingers stop there? Don't count on it. I ask Ronning: What are your views on divorce, birth control, pre-marital sex, inter-racial marriage, or working women? To end this letter with a question, I ask: "How tolerant should we be of intolerance?" In a time where "political correctness" is becoming a dirty word, what is the "proper resposne" to mis-informed bigots? How many will not contest this lunatic under the meager excuse, "everyone's entitled to his opinion." Everyone is entitled: So voice your disagreement. Send a message to close-minded, bigoted, extremist, fanatical, narrow, prejudiced, intolerant zealots on this campus and beyond. Respectuflly submitted, Michael Cyr, Jeffrey Bell, Elisabeth Hauser GALA Executive Committee Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "Gala Replies to Letter," November 19, 1991 Subject The topic of the resource John Ronning's letter to the editor. Description An account of the resource The Executive Committee members offer a strong rebuke of John Ronning's letter and sentiments. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Michael Cyr, Jeffrey Bell, and Elisabeth Hauser. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Grizzly Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Ursinus College Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 19, 1991 Bell Cyr extremist GALA Hauser homosexual Ronning https://omeka.ursinus.edu/files/original/87418f02b2cc8400abfb9d3cdf8dc8c2.jpg 803ae069f2cffb702ff936a37d9bdcca Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource History of the GSA Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document To: The Grizzly From: Ronald E. Hess, Professor of Chemistry Date: 12 November 1991 Topic: Letter to the Editor On Saturday, November 9, I watched proTheatre's marvelous production of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible," a play which deals with the injustice perpetrated by intolerance, the absence of compassion, and the holier-than-thou attitude of overzealous Christians. On Tuesday, November 12, I read John Ronning's vile diatribe directed at the Gay and Lesbian Alliance. Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692 and Collegeville, Pennsylvania in 1991! It is sad to see that some things never change, even in the ivory tower. Mr. Ronning,"Judge not, that you be not judged" [Matthew 7:1]. ____________________________________________ Dear Editor and Ursinus Community, In John Ronning's letter regarding GALA, printed in the November 12th issue of the Grizzly, he presented some of his emphatic opinions as fact, and strongly implied a number of erroneous points. I would like to offer an alternative perspective on some of these points and indicate the non-factual status of others. First, Mr. Ronning considers it "cruel" to allow peers to help one another sort out conflicting ideas about their sexuality; but many other people do not regard this as cruel. Rather, some consider the possibility of having a venue within which it is SAFE to discuss sexuality a real service to young adults. Whether hetero- or homosexual, many individuals struggle while coming to terms with their sexual identities. Certainly the hostility toward homosexuality evinced in Mr. Ronning's letter indicates that, at least in some areas, the climate remains particularly unsafe for homosexual and bisexual students. Second, Mr. Ronning equated "normal, healthy" people with those who find "homosexual acts" a source of "disgust and revulsion." Since many, many "normal, healthy" people do not share this attitude, Mr. Ronning's correlation is a troubling logical lapse--one made especially troubling given that the letter is from one trained in a rigorously logical intellectual field. Third, despite Mr. Ronning's implications to the contrary, gay culture is exciting as is straight culture. However, both certainly do include sub-cultures which are neither representative of the whole, nor necessarily appealing to all people. To equate the part with the whole is both inaccurate and a disservice to readers who are unfamiliar with the culture--and who therefore may assume Mr. Ronning's representation as accurate. Mr. Ronning's "counter-offer" is considerate, in that some people do wish to deny their sexuality--and now the ones who do on this campus know one place to turn for assistance. But Mr. Ronning's frightening logical leaps in the same paragraph in which he made this offer make it all too evident that his own strong feelings have temporarily overridden his training in logic and reason. This stance makes me wonder if he can even-handedly assist students dealing with a matter as delicately and potentially fraught with turmoil as is this one. While I do disagree with Mr. Ronning's assessments, I am writing laregly to indicate the holes in the logical fabric of his argument. For were one to read his letter without care and attention, one might be wayed by the vehemence of his words. Siince we live in a culture in which both science and teachers are accorded authority, his appending "Physics Department" after his name might serve not only to identitify him but also implicitly to promise an apparently undeserved credibility to him as an author. As members of an intellectual community, we must demand that people address serious issues with all of the critical skills they have at their disposal; we must insist that those who can contribute to the community as teachers do not indicate--by example or otherwise--that an argument based solely on "revulsion" is a viable argument. Sincerely, Dr. Margot A. Kelley Dear Editor: The opinion written by John Ronning in last week's Grizzly was the saddest piece of work that I have read in many years. Though he pretended to offer advice to homosexuals, the venom in his letter made clear that its purpose was to hurt, not to help. What would possess anyone to publicly vent such feelings of hatred and loathing for other human beings? What could be the motive behind such deliberate cruelty? It certainly could not be a Christian motive. Though I am by no means an authority on Christ's teachings, even I know that hatred and cruelty have no place in His religion. Mr. Ronning should search in his heart to learn the source of his anger, for it seems terrible indeed, and could harm him as deeply as it does others. Robert Dawley Biology Department Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource "Faculty Members Speak Out," November 19, 1991 Subject The topic of the resource Ronning's Letter on GALA Description An account of the resource Ronald Hess, Margot Kelley, and Robert Dawley speak out again John Ronning's letter. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Ronald Hess, Margot Kelley, and Robert Dawley. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived The Grizzly Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Ursinus College Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 19, 1991 Crucible Dawley faculty GALA Hess homosexual Kelley Ronning