Date: Tue, 7 Nov 1995 10:13:30 -0500 (CDT) From: community *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=* Middle Tennessee State University Lambda Association (http://www.mtsu.edu/~mtlambda) - info on "UEC" under COMMITTEES XENOGENY (xenogenyx@aol.com) November 7 by Michael Grantham *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=* In an memo dated October 27 to the Uniform Equality Committee at MTSU, Vice President for Student Affairs Robert LaLance informed that an ad hoc committee of the Tennessee Board of Regents' Student Affairs Sub-Council will be reactivated "in the near future to study the issue of including sexual orientation as part of the protected categories statement." The recent memo highlighted LaLances "concern" that lesbians, gays, and bisexuals on the campus of MTSU are more reluctant to report and "utilize existing resources to deal with discrimination and harassment." The expressed tone of the memo suggested the Administration feels comfortable that discrimination and harassment on the basis of one's sexual orientation is addressed by current policy. The MTSU nondiscrimination policy reaffirmed in February of 1995 by President James Walker offers no recourse in cases of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. The activation of the ad hoc committee places the UEC request for a Presidential Task Force on a back burner. LaLance took the opportunity to characterize the move by TBR as a means by which President Walker "will be in a better position to decide on MTSU's course of action." Marc Burrnett, Sub-Council for Student Affairs Chair said the ad hoc committee will convein on the last teusday in January to hear the issue from Dr. LaLance. He mentioned the committee was formed in the early '90's to see how the issue of including sexual orientation would effect Affirmative Action policies. The UEC '95 Resolution specifically states that the requested inclusion "incorporate a specific exemption from the University's Affirmative Action Policies." In light of the UEC's request, the purpose of re-conveining the ad hoc committee becomes less clear and leads some within the LGBT community to believe the MTSU Administration is buying time. Burrnett mentioned that he does not have an appointed Chair to the ad hoc committee but said that he is fairly confident it will be Robert LaLance. An unamed source close to the UEC characterizes LaLance as a "good ole boy" and continues to say that LaLance is a consistent road block to any change within the University's structure. LaLance is an alumni of MTSU and "has never left since." The October 27 memo is the first response from LaLance's office since August of 1995. Since the capture of five individuals related to death threats received by Lambda Association, Patrick Martin, Lambda's newly elected Events Coordinator, has been working to schedule a number of speakers in upcomming lectures sponsored by Lambda Association. Martin expressed a goal to educate the campus community on various issues and to explore the public perception of lesbian, gays and bisexuals. MTSU is contested to facilitate the regions largest lesbian, gay, bisexual campus populations. Lambda maintains weekly regular meetings of 40-60 members. It is one of the largest campus groups at MTSU. Martin mentioned plans in the works for a conference next April featuring guest speakers and workshops. The conference will host a number of students and guests representing the National Academic Community and serving the South East region. A road block to this proposed effort came November 2 as Gail Stephens, an Associate Dean of Students under Robert LaLance, issued a breakdown of funding to all university organizations in the Sidelines, a campus student paper. Lambda Association was budgeted only $300 out of a $1500 request. The Uniform Equality Committee received $0. Martin Topping, a junior Art Major, will be exploring the options of grant writting with other interested students to help fund the various upcoming projects of Lambda Association with specific focus on the conference. The group is also looking for sponsors. The UEC requested $585 for the publication of 75 reports outlining research and the request to enhance the campus policy. The UEC is searching for alternative funds to continue printing flyers and letters as well as covering the cost to publish their findings. If you can help in financing this important effort, please contact Lambda Association at (615)780-2293, or write to Lambda Association - UEC at MTSU BOX 624, Murfreesboro, TN 37132. The UEC asks that all MTSU Alumni send letters of support to the Lambda Association address and will publish them as an appendix to their report. Lambda Association maintains a website at http://www.mtsu.edu/~mtlambda where more information may be obtained on this news peice.