by Kurt Klettner
Social justice affects all of us in some form or another and at some time or another; whether we are a direct member of the point of focus or an ally to the cause.
We live in a time in which the pursuit of peace, harmony and acceptance is sometimes followed by a “but …” resulting in an attempt to claim justification to exclude someone (or a group) with whom one may disagree. Social justice efforts at WVU Parkersburg attempt to ensure that all persons (student, faculty, staff or guest) are treated equitably, justly, fairly and with respect regardless of race, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, color, national origin, veteran status or disability.
The willingness to respect others is an essential element to promoting social justice and to maintaining a campus environment that is supportive, safe and peaceful. Being respectful is often demonstrated by one’s willingness to accept another person without judgment, even when his/her beliefs differ significantly from one’s own.
In our commitment to support the diversity that exists within our campus community, we can find a myriad of student organizations that enable our students to gather together for the purpose of sharing, socialization, understanding, acceptance, education and support.
A new student organization that is forming on our campus is the “LGBTQ Students & Allies United at WVUP”. The initials LGBTQ stand for: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning. The reference to “Allies” identifies those who may be heterosexual, and yet are willing to support and respect others regardless of their sexual orientation. The formation of this student organization, in combination with identified Safe Zones (places where human rights are valued and where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and students who are questioning their sexual orientation will find an understanding, supportive and trustworthy individual who is there to listen and who will offer accurate information and referrals), provides our college community with another opportunity to put life and meaning into the words that are often used to describe and promote the concept of social justice.
Our LGBTQ Students & Allies United at WVUP will gather for the initial formation on October 11, 2011 (National Coming Out Day) at 6:00pm in Room 2211. Dwayne Steward, whose essay was included in the book "It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living," will be our guest speaker.
If you would like more information regarding the organization and/or the presentation, please email [email protected] or contact Kurt Klettner (Ally ~ Staff Advisor for LGBTQ Students and Allies United at WVUP) at 304-424-8388 ~ Room 1019) or Debbie Richards (Ally ~ Special Assistant to the President for Policy and Social Justice at 304-424-8201).
Social justice affects all of us in some form or another and at some time or another; whether we are a direct member of the point of focus or an ally to the cause.
We live in a time in which the pursuit of peace, harmony and acceptance is sometimes followed by a “but …” resulting in an attempt to claim justification to exclude someone (or a group) with whom one may disagree. Social justice efforts at WVU Parkersburg attempt to ensure that all persons (student, faculty, staff or guest) are treated equitably, justly, fairly and with respect regardless of race, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, color, national origin, veteran status or disability.
The willingness to respect others is an essential element to promoting social justice and to maintaining a campus environment that is supportive, safe and peaceful. Being respectful is often demonstrated by one’s willingness to accept another person without judgment, even when his/her beliefs differ significantly from one’s own.
In our commitment to support the diversity that exists within our campus community, we can find a myriad of student organizations that enable our students to gather together for the purpose of sharing, socialization, understanding, acceptance, education and support.
A new student organization that is forming on our campus is the “LGBTQ Students & Allies United at WVUP”. The initials LGBTQ stand for: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning. The reference to “Allies” identifies those who may be heterosexual, and yet are willing to support and respect others regardless of their sexual orientation. The formation of this student organization, in combination with identified Safe Zones (places where human rights are valued and where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and students who are questioning their sexual orientation will find an understanding, supportive and trustworthy individual who is there to listen and who will offer accurate information and referrals), provides our college community with another opportunity to put life and meaning into the words that are often used to describe and promote the concept of social justice.
Our LGBTQ Students & Allies United at WVUP will gather for the initial formation on October 11, 2011 (National Coming Out Day) at 6:00pm in Room 2211. Dwayne Steward, whose essay was included in the book "It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living," will be our guest speaker.
If you would like more information regarding the organization and/or the presentation, please email [email protected] or contact Kurt Klettner (Ally ~ Staff Advisor for LGBTQ Students and Allies United at WVUP) at 304-424-8388 ~ Room 1019) or Debbie Richards (Ally ~ Special Assistant to the President for Policy and Social Justice at 304-424-8201).