In 2007, a student Diversity Grant research project entitled ‘The Collegiate Closet’ identified an overarching theme that was cause for alarm: an abnormally high level of homophobia and bigotry by students toward their fellow gay and lesbian classmates had made Fairfield an anomaly among most other colleges.’
Such is the campus that many of us know and one that our gay and lesbian classmates must enter ever year: one in which they may feel alone, unwelcome or even unaccepted.’ This climate has forced many gay and lesbian students to hide who they are from their friends and fellow Stags; too many are often afraid to be open about their sexual orientation.’ Many have, over the years, felt so uncomfortable that they have decided they could not endure being here and have transferred, denying our student body the opportunity to be exposed to the type diversity that is essential when working in a 21st century global economy.’
Aware of this fact, the administration at Fairfield has made reducing homophobia and promoting acceptance a priority and has taken necessary measures.’
The Office of Student Diversity has been running an initiative known as the Safe Space Program, which is led by William Johnson, Susan Birge, Deborah Cady Melzer and Father Michael J. Doody, S.J. The program has taught Fairfield’s faculty, RAs, FYMs and all interested students about the challenges that gay and lesbian students face on campus and in their daily lives.’ You have probably seen the Safe Space program’s pink triangle posted on the door of a professor or RA; this conveys the message that all gay and lesbian students are welcome and accepted as a friend.
You’ve probably also seen a RA on duty with a shirt that reads ‘Straight but Not Narrow: I Support the Fairfield University Gay-Straight Alliance.” The Office of Residence Life has decided to implement another facet of the Safe Space program by issuing these shirts to their RAs with the help of the Gay-Straight Alliance.’ Through this, RAs directly get the message across to residents: we will treat one another with respect and acceptance.’
On Oct. 9 at 7:30 in the Quick Center, Fairfield’s own Mike Cicirelli will present a program called Project Halo to the campus and surrounding community.’ His program, first unveiled last year, will illustrate first hand the result of intolerance and hatred that members of the gay community face and is a must-see for all who have an interest in ending bigotry and promoting acceptance.’
The Gay-Straight Alliance will also be working with FUSA and IRHA this year to further advance the progress that has been made here.’
We will be holding discussion forums in residence halls throughout the year to reach out to the student body and talk about the experiences that we and other students have had on this campus. We will be hosting speakers that range from religious leaders to financial advisors and lawyers who will navigate gay and lesbian students through the financial and legal challenges of raising a family in a country in which only two states grant marriage equality.’
With every event we hold, we will make strides toward showing the students of Fairfield University that we too are a part of the fabric of the vibrant, intelligent and proud community that makes up our campus and we will thus bridge the gap of understanding and tolerance that exists here.
Though the task that lies before us is great, we can and will advance the arrival of the day in which all Stags feel welcome and accepted for who they are.’ If you want to help in this great effort, come to an Alliance meeting every Monday night at eight p.m. in Canisius room six.
Jonas Stankovich, ’10, is the president of Fairfield University Gay-Straight Alliance. He can be contacted at Jonas.Stankovich@gmail.com
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