2008 Woodie Awards
United DePauw submits letter to President Bottoms
By: Andrew Maddocks
Issue date: 10/30/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
United DePauw sent a letter to President Robert G. Bottoms' office Thursday stating the group may request a position statement regarding the same-sex marriage ban.
The letter, drafted by advisor for public relations of United DePauw Brandon Monson, was not a request for a position statement, but a notification that a formal request may be submitted in the future.
This latest letter is a continuation of United DePauw's fight against Indiana's constitutional amendment prohibiting same-gender marriage. The group drafted an internal resolution in opposition to the amendment, and a variation of that resolution passed in Student Congress earlier this year.
On Monday, another variation of that same resolution will be discussed at the faculty meeting.
Aside from informing Bottoms of the pending faculty discussion, the letter also requested the president's support in advocacy aimed at the state legislature.
The letter noted Bottoms' past writings to state representatives opposing the same-sex marriage ban. As the legislative session approaches, United DePauw may ask for an additional written statement to legislators from Bottoms.
Anne Harris, faculty chair of the Student Life and Academic Atmosphere Committee (SLAAC) said this issue has direct relevance to the campus community.
"How the University engages in its relationship with gay issues is really important to the academic atmosphere at DePauw," Harris said.
Monson, a sophomore, said the issue may have a greater impact on straight couples than same-gender couples. He said the current debate will define civil unions and marriage, not only in terms of gender but regarding the benefits accompanying each title.
United DePauw is working in collaboration with several other groups on this issue. These organizations include Indiana Equality, Equality Utah and the human rights campaign.
Monson said United DePauw will continue to expand its efforts into committee hearings and potential protests.
"The issue will have to wait until the legislative session, then hopefully we can get more involvement," Monson said.
The letter, drafted by advisor for public relations of United DePauw Brandon Monson, was not a request for a position statement, but a notification that a formal request may be submitted in the future.
This latest letter is a continuation of United DePauw's fight against Indiana's constitutional amendment prohibiting same-gender marriage. The group drafted an internal resolution in opposition to the amendment, and a variation of that resolution passed in Student Congress earlier this year.
On Monday, another variation of that same resolution will be discussed at the faculty meeting.
Aside from informing Bottoms of the pending faculty discussion, the letter also requested the president's support in advocacy aimed at the state legislature.
The letter noted Bottoms' past writings to state representatives opposing the same-sex marriage ban. As the legislative session approaches, United DePauw may ask for an additional written statement to legislators from Bottoms.
Anne Harris, faculty chair of the Student Life and Academic Atmosphere Committee (SLAAC) said this issue has direct relevance to the campus community.
"How the University engages in its relationship with gay issues is really important to the academic atmosphere at DePauw," Harris said.
Monson, a sophomore, said the issue may have a greater impact on straight couples than same-gender couples. He said the current debate will define civil unions and marriage, not only in terms of gender but regarding the benefits accompanying each title.
United DePauw is working in collaboration with several other groups on this issue. These organizations include Indiana Equality, Equality Utah and the human rights campaign.
Monson said United DePauw will continue to expand its efforts into committee hearings and potential protests.
"The issue will have to wait until the legislative session, then hopefully we can get more involvement," Monson said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 3
DPU Student
posted 11/01/07 @ 2:33 PM EST
So this letter that was sent is "not a request for a position statement, but a notification that a formal request may be submitted in the future."
Well this post is to let everybody know that I might write an actual response to this non-story in the future should it become a real story. (Continued…)
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