Feminist Campus eZine
April-13-04

Northeastern Illinois University FMLA Stands Up For Gay Rights On Campus

On March 11th, hundreds of Northeastern Illinois University students walked out of classes to attend a rally sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Alliance (GLBA) in support of gay rights on campus. FMLA activists joined in, with students, staff and faculty to condemn homophobia at NEIU, specifically critiquing the intransigence of the university administration in taking any concrete action on eight student demands issued in December. Students eloquently spoke out against homophobia, and also brought up their fight against racism, sexism, poverty, globalization, the war in Iraq, and anti-immigrant discrimination. After the rally, these students, still carrying signs, met the president of the university as she exited another university event. In her terse comments, she stated that there is "no we and they" in this situation, a comment that elicited derisive responses from the students. The president then rushed off to her next "appointment." The event follows 7 months of meetings, educational outreach, speak-outs, and meetings with administrators. Support for the GLBA & FMLA demands is widespread among students, faculty and staff, but apparently not within the administration. For more information please contact Anne Mothkovich, FMLA president and GLBA secretary at anniee8m@msn.com.

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