Hundreds of students, faculty and staff rallied Tuesday afternoon in support of the campus’ gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning community.
Standing on the steps of Schaffer Library, Kerrie Wolf, assistant director of Student Activities and a leader of the LGBTQ Ally program, emphasized that Union is an open-minded campus.
“We won’t tolerate this kind of environment at Union,” Wolf said, noting recent tragedies around the country, including the suicide of Rutgers University student Tyler Clementi. The freshman killed himself after his roommate videotaped him having sex with a man and then posted it on the Internet.
Organizers of the rally led participants in a moment of silence for Clementi and others who killed themselves after being bullied because of their sexual orientation.
Marcus Hotaling, director of the Counseling Center, encouraged students who feel harassed or intimidated to seek help.
“You never have to feel alone in dealing with intolerance and bullying,” he said.
Professor of French Charles Batson offered hope to those who may experience harassment.
“This boy here was bullied,” he said pointing to himself, “But I’m living a good life now.”
Clancy Slack ’11, who has worked extensively on campus with LGBT issues, said he’s proud of the open and accepting environment at Union. “We didn’t need a tragedy to put the support process in motion,” he said.
The Ally program helps provide safe spaces for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning community by identifying individuals who will offer support and information. The program is designed to increase levels of tolerance and acceptance on the Union campus. To get involved, contact Wolf at wolfk@union.edu.