Members of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Alliance gathered on Old Main's steps yesterday to protest the University's response to Project TEACH!

Project TEACH!, which stands for Try Education to Abolish Campus Homophobia, asks administrators to take more responsibility for educating students about homophobia and heterosexism.

Protestors held signs that displayed popular sentiments throughout LGBSA, such as, "I Thought the Brochure Said Something About Diversity," and "Do Your Job, Teach."

LGBSA wants to have the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity coordinate and facilitate educational programming on the issues of homophobia and heterosexism. The organization also seeks the appointment of a full-time administrator to address its needs and the establishment of an Office of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Concerns.

"These goals are not radical or unrealistic," said Holly Bemiss, LGBSA political co-director. "LGBSA is tired of doing your job, teach."

Terrell Jones, deputy vice provost for educational equity, attended the rally and said although he agrees that LGBSA's demands are legitimate, the answers won't be immediate.

LGBSA asked University President Joab Thomas and James Stewart, vice provost for educational equity, to respond by March 4. Thomas responded with a letter dated March 2 asking LGBSA to work with the University administration and continue to take advantage of existing services and programs that are now available.

Bemiss said that through Straight Talks, LGBSA has educated more than 1,000 students about homophobia. The organization has also arranged speakers, rallies and other programs for students, Bemiss said.

"We feel it's not too much to ask," Bemiss said, adding that other universities provide these services for students."We will not do their work for them anymore," she said.

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst has an office for gay, lesbian and bisexual concerns to offer educational programs.

Before the rally, protestors passed out fliers to passers-by.

"I'm glad I came because I really didn't realize what (the protestors) were here for," said Melissa McMaster (sophomore-special education), who accompanied a friend to the rally.