Baylor University Professor Francis Beckwith, shown on the right, has a few things to say about denying the students of Baylor the right to form a group dedicated to discussing LGBT issues. The group, called the Sexual Identity Forum, was denied last week, but still continues to fight Baylor's decision. In an email sent to SIF president Samantha Jones, Beckwith states:
"Baylor is not the government. So, its policy on the proper use of our sexual powers is no more impeding your right to speech or assembly as it is impeding the rights of Klansmen and Skinheads to speak and assemble on campus."
Beckwith goes on to say that using words like "LGBT suicide," "hate crimes," and "homophobia" are words used to "intimidate and marginalize many of my brothers and sisters in Christ who as a matter of conscience cannot cooperate with the approval of homosexual conduct." Of course these words are offensive to those who don't believe in Gay Rights! These words turn the tables on those who oppose Gay Rights, and force them to see that aren't the only ones with a defensible opinion.
The one thing I keep seeing as I read through the arguments people against Baylor supporting SIF is the constant restating that homosexuality is a sin. No one is disputing the fact that the Bible says this. A comment left on the SIF website by a student at Baylor says this:
"What we do want is for Baylor to recognize that there are students on campus who identify as other than straight and for Baylor to recognize that there are specific issues that come with the struggles many people are going through involving their sexuality including hate crimes and suicide. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that we as followers of God cannot discuss controversial issues."
Karla Rodriguez, mother of a Baylor University student, wrote a response to Baylor's refusal to allow SIF the right to form, saying "this group is trying to advocate acceptance, education and understanding." The local news channel in Waco picked up the story, and a short video on SIF's fight can be found here on their website.
Baylor University spokesperson Lori Fogleman says "the university does not believe that a student organization is the most viable medium in which to have this kind of dialogue on difficult decisions." Who is capable of organizing a discussion group focused on student problems, if students aren't? If Baylor decides to provide a forum in which the topics SIF is trying to discuss, will it be managed by someone who has an open mind, or will it be a way for Baylor to further shove its beliefs down the student body's throats?
Change.org has started a petition for those who want to join SIF's fight for the rights to meet on campus.
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