SEXUAL ORIENTATION AMENDMENT GETS REVIEW

The Faculty Senate at Southeast Missouri State University Wednesday debated a proposal to amend the university's anti-discrimination policy to include homosexual "orientation."

But the senators tabled the matter to allow time for some proposed changes to the amendment to be drafted.

Faculty Senate Chairman Allen Gathman proposed several weeks ago adding "sexual orientation" to the anti-discrimination policy toward students and employees.

Student Senate and leaders of student organizations, including the Gay and Lesbian Student Association, have also called for such a change. The university's affirmative action committee, an advisory body to the administration, is studying the issue but has yet to take a stand.

Some faculty senators expressed concern Wednesday that enactment of such a measure would aid those who might want to abolish ROTC units on campus. The U.S. military has a longstanding policy against homosexuality in any form. ROTC members are required to state they are not homosexuals in order to serve in the armed forces.

Faculty senator Helen Miner said she would not want to lose the two ROTC units on campus. "They would be a real loss," she maintained.

Senator Bruce Parrish suggested the proposal be changed to include an exemption for all contract programs with government agencies, which would, in effect, protect the ROTC units.

Both Gathman and senator Albert Hayward urged passage of the "sexual orientation" measure, contending that it is a moral issue.

"The question is whether faculty should take a stand on the last socially accepted form of prejudice in our society," said Hayward.

"Gays and lesbians in this community are closeted," said Gathman. He said they conceal their sexual orientation because of fear of prejudice, violence and discrimination.

He said 151 universities and colleges nationwide include sexual orientation in their anti-discrimination policies.

Hayward said those who express legal concerns about such a policy are raising a "red herring."

"This kind of argument sounds like it would have been given during the civil rights era," he said.

Gathman said some people have expressed concern that a sexual orientation provision would be unpopular with many in the public.

"I think there are times when you should follow public opinion and there are times when you lead," said Gathman.

This is one of those times, he insisted, when the senate should take a lead.