Get it straight

STRAIGHT can find definition during reorganization efforts

On March 18 of last year, The Daily Collegian Board of Opinion said, "It is not often that you get the chance to prove your critics wrong, but now STRAIGHT has just that opportunity."

Students Reinforcing Adherence In General Heterosexual Tradition had just received a charter, and the University community was watching and waiting to see what would happen next.

But nothing happened.

"At a time of reorganization, it is critical that the group find a leader who can guide it out of its problems."

Low membership and a confusing mission statement seemed to hold the group back from reaching goals that were set by its founder and first president Darin Loccarini.

Last week, Loccarini resigned as president, citing a large class load and personal pursuits as reasons for his leaving STRAIGHT. Someone else will have to step up and take the place of the leader who worked so hard for the group to be chartered.

At a time of reorganization, it is critical that the group find a leader who can guide it out of its problems.

Now, STRAIGHT has the opportunity to finally get it right.

Upon Loccarini's resignation, the new leader needs to begin with a strong focus and goals, in order to counteract the problems STRAIGHT has been having during the first year of its existence.

Part of the problem with membership could be that students don't seem to understand the group's exact agenda and purpose for existing.

And lack of definition causes some people to worry about the group's intent.

There is a fear on the part of some members of the University community, fear that STRAIGHT might threaten the safety of lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

STRAIGHT needs to define itself so that the public can know if the group poses a threat to the community or not.

The new leader should first draft a new mission statement -- a clear one that everyone understands.

The new leader should use that mission to create a dialogue about the issues that concern them and are causing the community to be divided.

Then, perhaps, the critics who said STRAIGHT had no definition will finally be proven wrong.