Taking A Stand Against Homophobia:

A Holistic Approach

Presented by:William Rainey Harper College

#naspa4e13

Presenters

Dr. Ashley B. Knight, Dean of Student Affairs

Dr. Monica Edwards, sociology faculty, co-coordinator of Harper Pride Club

Kris Hoffhines, faculty counselor, co-coordinator of Harper Pride Club

Ernie Kimlin, Director of Student Involvement

Case Study The college Gay-Straight Alliance annually sponsors an open-mic event in which participants are given the opportunity to voice their support for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community.

The open-mic event is traditionally held outside on the campus Quad; however, this year it was held in the Student Center lounge, a public open-area event space with a stage.

After the event, student members of the GSA approached the Director for Student Involvement, who is the building administrator for the space, with a handful of flyers with various anti-gay comments written on them including:

“Guys: Does the thought of being sodomized make you feel warm and fuzzy all over? If so, there’s a homosexual group right here on campus to help you get plugged in (pun intended).”

“Homosexuals: Today, like all days, is the day to allow yourself to be defined solely by your sexual drive.”

“Sexually confused? Then join the homosexual club!”

“The homosexual lifestyle: The choice is yours.”

The students told the Director that “these were posted all over the Student Center.”

Theoretical Perspective*

• Sexuality is socially constructed, thus…• Sexuality is institutionalized, thus…• Sexuality is a basis for resource distribution,

thus…• Sexuality is political.

* References available upon request

Context/ Campus Climate

• White, affluent, NW suburb of Chicago• “Invisible” diversity statement; new statement

developed 2 years ago• Task force survey on campus climate; variable,

divergent ideas/opinions, no shared understanding

Harper’s Response (Holistic Response)

• Students actively involved - Pride meeting, student groups• Meetings with college president, Faculty Senate, President’s

Cabinet• Letters from advisors to faculty• Letters from Faculty Senate to faculty• Student newspaper interview/Faculty Senate article• Administration, police• Letters from college president to students and employees• Student response

Next Steps

• Student responses – voices, student-led process

• New semester• Where we are now – we still have barriers• What should be the next steps?