LGBT dorm just one part of TCU students’ action plan

FORT WORTH - Texas Christian University has made national news twice in as many weeks over a proposal to launch an on-campus housing community for LGBT students and their supporters. But in the wake of the media firestorm, the students behind the proposal said that when it comes to LGBT issues that need to be addressed on campus, the so-called “gay dorm” is just the tip of the iceberg. Shelly Newkirk, a TCU sophomore who initially proposed the DiversCity Q community in January, said although she believes the controversy was distorted by the media, she’s hoping the attention will be helpful as LGBT advocates pursue other initiatives. “It was getting attention because it was sensationalized, but at the same time, anything that creates dialogue about the issues I think has done some good, so I’m not too upset,” Newkirk said Wednesday, April 15. “It has polarized people a little bit, but it has also taken away the ambiguity of opinion.” Both Newkirk and Su Harz, a TCU junior who was also involved with DiversCity Q, said they were disappointed with the administration’s decision this week to shelve the proposal, which had previously been approved by the Office of Residential Services.

[Robin Hood]

TCU is listening.

They have cancelled the gay dorm projet announced last week due to alumni benefactor concerns and concerns about segregating LGBT students from the rest of the campus. Separate ain't equal.

[tomas]

I have never thought separatism was the answer, but they at least got some of their concerns voiced. Maybe someone higher up will now listen? Gay students are often not safe; they are often harrassed or trivialized, and they do have ligitimate concerns that need addressing. Is there a couse on homosexuality on campus, a support group?

[House]

tomas wrote:

I have never thought separatism was the answer, but they at least got some of their concerns voiced. Maybe someone higher up will now listen? Gay students are often not safe; they are often harrassed or trivialized, and they do have ligitimate concerns that need addressing. Is there a couse on homosexuality on campus, a support group?

I don't know if there is a course here at TCU or if there is an organized support group, but I do know that they have GALA meetings...or at least they used to...GALA = Gay and Lesbian Alliance.

I work at the university and we don't have any problems with the way people are treated...gay, straight, white, black...TCU is a great community to live in, work in, or live near (as I do). I'm a graduate of TCU and I've worked here for nearly a decade.