Collegiate Times

As a community, Hokies are supposed to respect themselves and their opponent during athletic events. This extends not only to the players but also to the fans, encouraging those at sporting events not to boo opponents or participate in mean spirited chants. I support this policy, but as a member of the Hokie Nation, I sincerely hope that we can extend this tradition and policy to all Hokies — no matter who they are.

I am referring, of course, to what is now called Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s discriminatory letter that was sent out on March 5, 2010. In this letter, Cuccinelli stated that Virginia’s public colleges and universities should take all language out of their policies that protects people from being discriminated against because of sexual orientation, since only the General Assembly has that right.

This is very offensive and backward and I sincerely hope that Virginia Tech faculty, students and staff, as well as the administration, are willing to stand up against discrimination and bias based on sexual orientation.

Colleges and universities have always been sacred ground, more or less free of interference from government, businesses and other outside organizations. While I realize that Tech gets most of its funding from the state, we still have to oppose it on this issue,
or our credibility could be compromised.

Students, faculty and staff need to be able to feel free when they are learning or working, because higher education is one of the most important institutions in our country. This is where people are trained for their future jobs or earn a degree that will help them on their way to achieving their dreams.

However, college is also seen as a place for people to find themselves, to grow up into the person they hope to be, and to meet lifelong friends. It is utterly ridiculous and unfair that some of our students would be prevented from or feel uncomfortable in doing so just because of their sexual orientation.

Also, if Tech is going to attract the best faculty and staff, then it is important we do not discriminate in any way. I’m not saying that a faculty member, if considering Tech, would choose not to take a position here because of our policy on sexual orientation, but it could be a contributing factor and it may reflect badly on Tech if we do not stand up to this letter or change our current policy.

According to the Facebook group, “Virginia Tech Says ‘No’ to Ken Cuccinelli’s Discriminatory Letter,” there are already more than 1,600 Hokies who do not support his action, and the group continues to grow by the day.

The members have been respectful toward the government of the Virginia, but they have been adamant in their refusal to accept the terms of this letter and any other actions to discriminate based on sexual orientation. I sincerely hope that the Tech administration and those who must respond to this letter take a look at this group and consider the fact that so many Hokies are against this when deciding further action.

I also strongly encourage all Hokies who oppose such measures to take action to make their voice heard by our state’s government.

You can e-mail the Attorney General on his Web site, you can call his office or send him a letter. There are also some who are trying to get a petition sent around for all Hokies to sign who do not support such discriminatory actions.

However, whatever you do, please do it respectfully. The Hokie Nation is one that respects all who are members, no matter how different they are from us.

We also respect our opponents, no matter who they are. Hate mail and yelling at those who work at Cuccinelli’s office will get us nowhere. Instead, let’s make clear and firm arguments for why we do not support the contents of this letter and show Cuccinelli and those in the government that at Tech, we do not stand for discrimination of any kind.

A version of this article appeared in the Mar 19 issue of the Collegiate Times.