Move slowly

ACLU needs to carefully consider challenging intolerance statement

How does STRAIGHT spell relief? ACLU.

The University chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, and the ACLU of Pennsylvania are backing the pro-heterosexual group STRAIGHT.

They are not necessarily backing the group because they share STRAIGHT's beliefs -- they are supporting it because they believe the group should be given the freedom to express its beliefs.

That's fine. The sticky part is that the ACLU is looking to challenge the University's intolerance statement, which states that "the University recognizes that members of its community have a right to hold and express their views, even when these views are contrary to University values and objectives."

It is within this clause that the ACLU plans to show STRAIGHT does have a right to be chartered as a University organization. The ACLU wants the University to reconsider the Undergraduate Student Government supreme court's denial of STRAIGHT because denying the group a charter may just illustrate the intolerance the University says it abhors.

Although the ACLU is taking a positive step in getting involved with STRAIGHT, its members who speak out need to make sure they have a clear understanding of the facts in challenging the University's intolerance clause.

Complete accuracy is crucial in a case such as this, especially when the ramifications aren't clear.

In challenging the intolerance clause, the ACLU might want to consider some other University issues that tie in with this particular case.

The ACLU also has the opportunity to address the debate about same-sex domestic partner benefits at the University. Currently, the University does not allow spousal benefits to non-heterosexual employees.

By addressing both issues, the ACLU will be able to promote equal rights for every individual, as its mission promises.