Rao: Anti-gay chalkers are cowards
Perpetrators unknown; officials to set policy
By: Frank Eslinger and Kortny Hahn
Issue date: 4/11/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
University President Michael Rao lambasted those responsible for anti-gay chalkings in an e-mail Tuesday to the CMU community.
The chalkings, which appeared Monday between Anspach and Pearce halls, left derogatory and vulgar messages pertaining to the gay community.
"I am disappointed that any human being could behave so disgracefully toward other human beings," he said. "While the cowards who wrote these statements did not identify themselves, they should know that most of us in the community are disappointed and find this behavior repugnant."
Rao did not implicate any group or person in the incident. It is unknown who is responsible.
The statements chalked included: "Straight = HIV free," "fag zone," "no sword play," "vag > butt" and "say 'no' to gay pride."
Rao said Dean of Students Bruce Roscoe will chair a committee during the summer that would develop a policy regarding public campus chalkings.
"I have to give some thought as to the membership of the committee," Roscoe said. "We have to do a good job of looking at existing policies at other universities to check how effective they are."
Though the chalk messages have been removed, Roscoe said no university officials removed them.
"Our policy is that no one removes chalkings," he said.
Rao said the chalkings are protected by free speech, but they are inconsistent with the university's views.
Phone calls to co-presidents of the Gay/Straight Alliance, South Lyon sophomore Ashley Wild and Tennessee sophomore Ben Dotson, were not returned.
Many students are upset and disapprove with the chalkings' message.
"It's offensive to me," said Hillsdale junior Leah Rhine. "Putting someone down because of (being gay) is disgusting and gratuitous."
Kelly Wanamaker, Canton freshman, said she was shocked at the chalk messages.
"This isn't the place to write or say something like that," she said.
Saginaw junior Kelly Ward agreed.
"I think people should keep that stuff to themselves," she said.
Other students said while public displays like the chalkings are protected by free speech, they disagree with the message.
"You can have freedom of speech and malicious speech. The law makes a distinction," said North Adams senior Mike Dowis. "Two or three people abuse freedom of speech, and it ruins it for everyone."
news@cm-life.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 12
Matthew J. Rudowski
posted 4/11/07 @ 10:11 AM EST
I would like to applaud President Rao and CM Life for exposing and renouncing these cowardly people and their disgusting actions. It is sad that GLBT people still have to endure hateful and bigoted people as part of their everyday lives. (Continued…)
student
posted 4/11/07 @ 11:32 AM EST
I, in no way agree with what was written in chalk, but it is not the university's place to decide what can and can't be said on campus. That is the way freedom of speech works. (Continued…)
Matthew J Bush
Matthew J Bush
posted 4/11/07 @ 1:03 PM EST
What was said was not FREE SPEECH, it was hate speech. Speech that infringes on the rights of liberties of others is not free and protected by the constitution. (Continued…)
Prof.Dr.Makinzy
posted 4/11/07 @ 3:02 PM EST
Hi, everybody who is related to the Real Human beings.I am a Jew, a Christian, and a Muslim - believer-in Moses,Jesus, and Mohammed,Peace be upon them all. (Continued…)
Rev Wayne Nicholson
posted 4/11/07 @ 3:27 PM EST
In our baptismal vows, repeated at least yearly, we Episcopalians affirm to "strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. (Continued…)
parent
posted 4/11/07 @ 3:29 PM EST
Interesting what the "hate" comments really say. I find only 3 of the 7 to be objectionable, that being number 3, 4, and 7. To say that the other four are not appropriate or allowable in a setting where free speech, free thought abd diversity are said to be valued, is really a stretch. (Continued…)
Rob Hayes
posted 4/11/07 @ 7:07 PM EST
The sidewalks, bulletin boards, etc. are university property, and the appearance of the property is a reflection of the university and it's officials. (Continued…)
The Rev. Robert L Barker
posted 4/12/07 @ 9:25 AM EST
I must agree with President Rao that those who wrote the hateful gay bashing messages in chalk on campus are cowards because they do their "messaging" anonymously and probably under the cover of darkness. (Continued…)
myopinions
posted 4/12/07 @ 1:06 PM EST
How is that hate speech, honestly? The students merely expressed their moral attidue towards sodomy. Is that so horrible? Only one or two of the comments is even in poor taste, the others merely reverse the flawed arguments I've heard faculty members use during their classes. (Continued…)
Andrew yasso
Andrew Yasso
posted 4/12/07 @ 3:56 PM EST
To myopinions,
I quote, "And yes, Catholics do believe that homo-sexual lovers will be damned to hell if they don't repent, we believe this is God's will and choice when he made the world. (Continued…)
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