2
10
30
-
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
-
https://omeka.ursinus.edu/files/original/87632c68480d8fe9643cd0a4ad9534c3.jpg
6ebb104d7a102b2cfeb174776951ebb9
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
EDITORIAL
There was an immediate, powerful reaction to Mr. John Ronning's opinion letter in last week's issue concerning the GALA organization. Some people expressed support for the content of the letter, others were strongly against it, and many were simply amazed that anyone, especially a college instructor, would actually make such views public.
I have been asked by several people how I could have possibly printed such a letter, and my answer is simple. It is for the same reason that I went against my associate editor's objections to print Michael Cyr's article in the Octoboer 22 issue, before GALA was recognized by the SAC as an official college organization. I believe that, as a part of the Ursinus community, both Michael and Mr. Ronning have the right to express themselves. I applaud both for their courage in publicizing their beliefs and opinions.
EWT
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
"Editorial," November 19, 1991
Subject
The topic of the resource
John Ronning's Letter on GALA
Description
An account of the resource
The Editor in Chief of the Grizzly defends his decision to print John Ronning's letter, citing freedom of speech.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Eric W Foellmer
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
Cyr
GALA
Ronning
SAC
-
https://omeka.ursinus.edu/files/original/58aca48d75f4ff392ce78792121a2120.jpg
6ebb104d7a102b2cfeb174776951ebb9
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
As Americans, we are guranteed the freedom of speech by the First Amendment of the Constitution. This amendment does not, however, gurantee that what we write will be of good opinion or in good taste. In the last issue of The Grizzly, two faculty letters expressed views concerning the recently founded Ursinus chapter of GALA. Generally, I feel (as I believe a majority of the students at Ursinus feel) that students look to the faculty not only as experienced teachers of selected subject matter, but also human beings with a greater understanding of life. Therefore, it would seem that a faculty letter regarding GALA would give substantial reasoning for why GALA should or should not exist at Ursinus in the context of the school rather than based on personal judgement.
While I feel that everyone has the right to express their opinion, I believe that Mr. Ronning's letter in the last issue of the paper did not even attempt to relate GALA to the context of the school or to the need it would provide a certain poriton of the student body. Instead, Mr. Ronning's article attempted to explain the reasoning behind why he felt "homosexualitiy is an unhealthy perversion" rather than why he felt the GALA organization should not exist. For a man of science, surprisingly, Ronning's article lacked scientific reasoning and proof. Ronning created a stereotype in which he explicitly suggested the sexual practices of the entire homosexual population. Does he feel the sexual practices of the entire heterosexual population are "normal" in comparison? To prove this assumption false, one has merely to turn on the news or glance at a newspaper to hear of the strange (may I even suggest perverse) practices of a percentage of the hetersexual population. As a heterosexual person, I would not like to be placed in a stereotype with many of the heterosexual people that frequent singles bars and clubs across the country. I think it is just as ridiculous to assume that all homosexuals participate in the practices that Ronning offers as "regular features of gay culture." Stereotyping all homosexuals as perverse, raging sex fiends allows those that Mr. Ronning considers "normal, healthy people" to continue to debase the homosexual population and deny the validity of their existence. To accept homosexuals as people who are capable of monogamous, loving relationships would mean admitting that they are similar to "normal, healthy" heterosexuals.
In consideration of Mr. Ronning's feelings regarding the safety of homosexual actions, many diseases that were known originally to have been spread throughout the homosexual population are now prevalent among hetersexual populations. With the recent announcement of Magic Johnson's contaction of the AIDS virus, many people were awakened to the fact that AIDS does not discriminate, and to the fact that even heterosexual practices can lead to contraction of the diesease. It is impossible to question the safety of homosexual practices without quesitoning the practice of all sexual human beings.
As for Ursinus in regard to the GALA, no one has to like the organization, people mrely have to accept it and the needs of the students it is serving. GALA has had some complications surrounding its beginning on campus, but these complications arise in any college organization. GALA has been approved by the Student Activites Committee (SAC) and does plan to provide activities such as speakers, programs, and awareness evetns. Dr. Oboler's letter published in last week's Grizzly stated that SAC is "debating as to whether the campus will beneift from the organization." Would an organization take the trouble to approach SAC with a proposed constitution if it was not serious in its intentions? In what other campus clubs are people putting their lifestyle on the line in order to gain campus recognition as a legitimate organization? Letters like Mr. Ronning's (who sadly represents a significant portion of the country's population) should remind us that the time has come to accept people who are different from ourselves. Although some of society has changed its opinion to the point of tolerating homosexuality, many others are still classified as "homophobes." Perhaps it is wrong to belive that all unaware and uncomfortable people suffer from "homophobia." In that case, the services GALA plans to provide through programs and speakers should help to educate the portion of the campus population that is unfamiliar with or uncomfortable with homosexuality. As Dr. Oboler stated in her letter last week, "I believe that all students will benefit from any organization that makes efforts towards increasing appreciation of diversity."
The preamble of the Constitution gives all United States citizens the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The time has come for these rights to extend beyond hetersexual people to include all people. As human beings, the time has come to accept that other people have needs which differ from our own, and that we may possibly benefit from the views and opinions of others. Mr. Ronning's opinion served the college community well; it made others strengthen and reevaluate their own opinions concerning the GALA organization. Unfortunately, I don't believe society will move in a positive direction if people continue to hold opinions similar to Mr. Ronning.
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
"Writing in Good Taste," November 19, 1991
Subject
The topic of the resource
John Ronning's letter on GALA
Description
An account of the resource
Ellen R. Sylvester, the Assistant Opinions Editor, argues that Ronning's letter was harmful and stereotyped the homosexual populaiton.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ellen R. Sylvester
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
AIDS
GALA
homosexual
homosexuality
Magic Johnson
Oboler
Ronning
Sylvester
-
https://omeka.ursinus.edu/files/original/9329c219ed77628b2aa6f2eff79d9502.jpg
c6485a13275561a33805b25f87bca394
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
...U.S.G.A. members were given a chance to express their opinions on Grizzly articles concerning GALA and IFC (Campus Life Meeting)...
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
"USGA Minutes," November 13, 1991
Subject
The topic of the resource
The Grizzly GALA articles
Description
An account of the resource
Mentions that USGA members spoke on the Grizzly GALA articles published on the 12 of November, 1991.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Gina Solensky, Recording Secretary
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 Published in the Grizzly
GALA
Grizzly
letters
USGA
-
https://omeka.ursinus.edu/files/original/d5085b9cbdc49163c7db7a398c0ce674.jpg
a5a2fa8b98324dbdcb0eb8cb867db62e
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
Campus Responds to GALA Letters (Opinions Section)
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
"Campus Responds to GALA Letters," November 19, 1991
Subject
The topic of the resource
GALA Letters
Description
An account of the resource
Banner heading stating the content of that week's opinions section.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Unknown
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
Campus
GALA
letters
-
https://omeka.ursinus.edu/files/original/7ce8ea8e99a7f05a3943b8d9189bce5d.jpg
c96ae666d13b016f6d450a637d02f55d
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,
A group of anonymous homosexuals (GALA) recently circulated a letter soliciting faculty members to serve as contacts for students who wish to get in touch with the group. I would consider it extremly cruel to a student with homosexual inclinations to put him in contact with a group that is going to tell him or her: (1) that he or she was born that way and should accept it as their lot in life; (2) that the disgust and revulsion which normal, healthy people have for homosexual acts is a mental illness called "homophobia;" (3) that gay culture is wonderful and exciting (I wonder which part they mean--living with one disease after another and dying young-having someone's fist up your rectum?-mastrubation through a hole in the wall with thousands of anonymous partners?-urinating in your partner's mouth and then letting him take his turn-exchanging feces to eat? All these are regular features of gay culture).
I have a counter-offer to students who may have homosexual leanings: I will be happy to put you in contact with a group (run by ex-homosexuals) that can help you avoid that short and miserable lifestyle. My offer, of course, is based on the conviction that homosexuality is an unhealthy perversion. If GALA and its promoters want to deny that there is such a thing as sexual perversion, then they should be sure to also open up their group to those who are interested in sex with children, sex with the dead, and sex with sheep and dogs.
Sincerely,
John Ronning
Physics Dept.
Friends:
There seem to be a number of misconceptions abroad on campus about the newly formed Gay and Lesbian Alliance, and your October 22 article did little to correct them.
I'm proud to be the faculty advisor to this group. Those who know me know my interest in cultural diversity, in celebrating rather than merely tolerating the differences among us, and in trying to create a society in which each individual can freely seek to achieve her or his own individual potential. Society as a whole has come a long way toward reaching a state in which gender, racial and ethnic discrimination are unacceptable. Prejudice and discrimination on the basis of sexual preference, however, are still largely tolerated. Though perfect statistics are unavailible, the best availible ones indicate that as many as one in 10-15 individuals is gay. In previous generations, most of these people found it neceessary to conceal their sexual preferences; many still do.
Some of my personal interest in this issue began because of my uncle, who was gay. In his generation, outside of "Bohemian" circles, there was no question of tolerance for this preference. He found it hard to accept his own sexuality as normal, and was in constant inner conflict. He neither married nor had a long-term gay relationship; he was a very lonely man. The existence of a support structure of the kind GALA proposes to provide could have made all the difference in my uncle's life. I intend to do anything I can to change the social climate so that others can lead happier lives, relatively free from social stigma.
The Oct. 22 Grizzly article raises the issue of whether there is a "need for GALA on this campus." The other group having its constitution reviewed at the Oct. 16th SAC meeting was the Skydiving Club. Is there a need on campus for a Skydiving Club? I'd venture to guess that there are more gay people on campus than potential skydivers. A member of the Ursinus Hillel pointed out to me that the same question could be raised about the Hillel, which serves a very small portion of the community. However, in each of these organization, the group of people directly involved certainly sees the "need" for them, and it seems to me that whether they serve directly the needs of other students is entirely beside the point.
The issue that seems to casue some people concern is confidentiality. The article reports that "GALA members want to be anonymous. This is not exactly the case. After all, the members of the executive committee who attended the SAC meeting were making no attempt to maintain anonymity. What is true is that GALA has established a mechanism whereby gay students who prefer to remain "in the closet" can become involved with the organization. For GALA to acomplish its objectives, this is absolutely necessary. People who need peer counseling about their sexuality must be able to contact a supportive peer group without being required to make their identities known to everyone. At present, the organization officers are all out and perfectly willing to reveal who they are. All the anonymity they want is not to have their phone numbers published to all and sundry. It's difficult for me to see how anyone can deny that in the case of this particular organization there is a unique potential for harassment. Much intolerance is demonstrated even in quotes in the article: "I am against homosexuality"; "It offends me...I do not approve of the public organization such as GALA."
The author of your article finds problematic "how the club was going to be an active part of the Ursinus community, but remain anonymous." Part of the answer is that no-one is talking about complete anonymity for all members. The club will be an active part of the community by sponsoring speakers, workshops and other awareness events. They also plan to make trips to off-campus events, on which other students will be welcome to come along.
SAC, it is reported, is "debating as to whether the campus will benefit from the organization." (Does every organization have to argue that it will provide benefits to the entire campus?) I would make the assumption that gay students represent a portion of the community at least as substantial as other special interests represented in other student organizations. These students will benefit directly. Beyond this, I believe that all students will beneift from any organization that make efforts toward increasing appreciation of diversity.
Sincerely,
Gina Oboler
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
"Face Off: Pros and Cons of GALA," November 12, 1991
Subject
The topic of the resource
Campus benefits of GALA
Description
An account of the resource
Physics professor John Ronning argues that GALA would promote a harmful if curable lifestyle that is homosexuality, while Sociology professor Regina Oboler argues that GALA will benefit all of campus.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
John Ronning, Gina Oboler
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 12, 1991
closet
feces
GALA
Hillel
Oboler
Ronning
SAC
-
https://omeka.ursinus.edu/files/original/6a56c52cf080be63402ed7fb44e8be77.jpg
b7dd31fb78ed77712223c3a073c14add
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 Friday, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance's constitution was passed by a vote of six in favor, two opposed, and one abstention.
The Onomatopoeic Defenestration Club (Skydiving Club) leader met with Dean Kane for further inquiry into the group regarding their constitution and the use of SAC funds. The group was told to hold an organizational meeting to measure student interest and an SAC representative would atttend this meeting to make assessments...
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
"USGA Minutes," October 30, 1991
Subject
The topic of the resource
GALA constitution approval, Skydiving Club.
Description
An account of the resource
States that the GALA constitution was approved, Skydiving Club is seeking approval.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Gina Solensky, USGA Recording Secretary
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 5, 1991 published in the Grizzly
approved
Constitution
GALA
Skydiving Club
USGA