Sexual orientation.

It seems the University is taking its own sweet time to begin enforcing the revised non-discrimination policy that now includes those two words. Such a lack of action makes them rather meaningless.

Perhaps those in charge just don't understand that this issue isn't about politics or the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Alliance trying to throw its weight around -- it's about real people. Right here at Penn State.

A student in West Halls has received death threats because he is gay.

But what action did the University take?

1. Campus Life directors held a floor meeting to address the situation and warn students about the consequences of being caught harassing another student.

2. That's all.

The University should actively seek out the students who have been doing the harassing and punish them accordingly. Expulsion should not be out the question.

The sexual orientation clause cannot be effective if nobody knows about it.

Since the revised non-discrimination policy was not included in this year's policies and rules manual, the students, especially freshmen, may be unaware of the change.

The only place the revised policy can be seen is on an electronic bulletin board on the University's computer network. But how many students read the electronic bulletin board?

The University must take the initiative and let students know that discrimination against gay men, lesbians and bisexuals will not be tolerated. Distributing flyers and posters to notify all students of the clause could rectify the problem.

The release of the Committee on Lesbian and Gay Concerns' report was obviously an encouraging step. The report set a timetable for establishing a Commission on Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Concerns which will include subcommittees to study topics such as personnel policies, a statement on non-discrimination and student services.

Those are positive steps, but they are not enough.

"All I'm asking for are the same rights and respect we as human beings deserve," pleaded the West Halls resident who has carried on despite death threats.

He shouldn't even have to ask.

And University administrators shouldn't have to be asked -- again -- to get their act together and enforce the new non-discrimination policy.