Leaders react to STRAIGHT

Student leaders deliver mixed reactions to decision

University student leaders had mixed reactions about the Undergraduate Student Government Supreme Court's unanimous decision to deny STRAIGHT's request for a charter.

USG President Sharon Entenberg said she supported the court's decision and was not surprised because there were some inconsistencies between University guidelines and the group's charter.

"Being a student organization is a privilege -- not a right," said Entenberg, who was present at the decision, but not at the hearing.

Students Reinforcing Adherence In General Heterosexual Traditions attempted to begin a student organization that would provide students with a forum to discuss their opinions to refuse "to accept or support homosexuality," according to their mission statement.

Entenberg said she would like to know the reasons behind the decision. According to their constitution, the court has 30 days to release the majority opinion and any individual justice's opinions.

The court's motive is also something Black Caucus President Nikitra Bailey is curious to understand. However, she said all people have a right to express their opinions.

"Whether it's not something we believe in or we agree with, I don't feel they should be denied a voice. A voice is fundamental for all groups," she said.

East Halls Senator Rob Dickey, who was at the entire hearing, also said STRAIGHT should be granted a charter if they comply with University guidelines.

However, he said the members' responses to some of the justices' questions indicated they were not completely within University guidelines.

Several audience members were concerned that rejecting STRAIGHT would deny members their First Amendment rights.

"What we're dealing with is a clear case of First Amendment rights," said Bob Stone, former USG senator and 1996 University graduate. "The purpose of the USG Supreme Court and USG is not to make ethical decisions."

But Crystal Markley, a co-coordinator of the American Civil Liberties Union, said the ACLU is unclear on whether the issue is a constitutional one because the group must also follow University guidelines.

"I do not feel that a decision to not grant STRAIGHT provisional status is a strike against free speech. To me, that decision means that the group's charter was not found to be in compliance with PSU's policies and rules set forth to govern student organizations," Markley said in a written statement.

Neither STRAIGHT nor Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Alliance approached ACLU for help or advice, she added.