Bullies, part I
To The Editor:
Bullies have been on my mind a lot lately. I was horrified by the string of suicides of kids who were bullied to death, many because they were gay or were perceived to be gay. How can we expect gay kids to develop healthy self-esteem when all they hear day in and day out is that they're not as good as their non-gay friends? And they get these messages not just from bullies at school, but from bullies who are ministering at church, judging in courtrooms, and even serving in Congressional seats.
It has never been more important that the people we put in positions of power don't pile on to these kids' collective hurt. Instead of using gay people as political punching bags, we need to stand behind candidates with the courage of their convictions, those who will protect the rights of everyone. In my district, voters have a clear choice between Jan Schakowsky, who thinks gay and lesbians are fully equal, period, and Joel Pollak, a man who believes that gay and lesbian citizens should not be allowed to marry, that the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy should not be immediately repealed and that the rights of gay and lesbian Americans should be decided by individual states.
Jan has stood alongside LGBT people for her entire career. She is a founding member and vice-chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a mother and former schoolteacher, I trust that she understands that the messages we send to our teens can affect their whole lives. In fact, I trust Jan to make decisions that support the lives of all of the teens of the next generation, regardless of their sexual identity. I cannot say the same for her opponent.
We need to do more than pity the teenagers and their families who may be the most vulnerable victims of anti-gay bigotry. We need to elect leaders like Jan who will stand up to the bullies in Congress and fight for all the people of Illinois.
Paul David Wadler, Ph.D
Chicago
Bullies, part II
Dear Editor,
The tragic death of Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi has brought increased attention to the disturbing issue of bullying students who are or are perceived to be LGBTQ. A talented violinist, Clementi recently took his own life after his roommate, according to prosecutors, secretly recorded and webcast him in his own room on campus in a sexual encounter with another man.
Those of us who care for and educate future generations of students have an obligation to speak up about the sad loss of this young man and the ignorance and small-mindedness that drove him to his death. Inclusiveness and acceptance must always be a way of life on college campuses so that all students can live and study without fear or being concerned about threats to their privacy.
At Roosevelt University, where I am president, we are reviewing our practices to ensure that we foster a welcoming, supportive community for all of our students as we historically have done, that we teach different points of view, that we encourage a culture of openness and tolerance, and that we provide supportive resources to those who need it.
Colleges and universities across the country must ensure that people of every race, religion, sexual orientation, experience and point of view are welcome there. My fervent hope is that this tragic episode can lead to deep reflection and positive change. We all must work together to reverse this epidemic of hate, intolerance and injustice.
Sincerely,
Charles R. Middleton
President
Roosevelt University
