STRAIGHT ahead

Group elects new batch of officials, discusses semester agenda

Grappling with declining membership and the absence of its founding leader, members of Students Reinforcing Adherence In General Heterosexual Tradition met Tuesday night to lay the framework for a new semester.

One of the most pressing issues facing the group was the election of a new president to replace founder Darin Loccarini, who resigned two weeks ago after citing a desire to pursue other interests.

However, that concern was laid to rest with the unanimous election of Alex Cadman (junior-meteorology) to the office of president. Cadman, who had been acting president of the organization since Loccarini's resignation, refuted notions that STRAIGHT was dropping politics to follow a strictly spiritual path.

"Contrary to what people think, I don't want to make this a spiritual organization, but I do think we need to address morality in our arguments," Cadman said. "Because whether we like it or not, sexuality is a moral issue."

In addition to the office of president, four other positions were filled. Steve Markle (senior-science) was elected vice president, Jason Covener (senior-Japanese and international politics) was elected treasurer and Chris Pirrotta (senior-digital media) was elected secretary.

About 10 students attended the meeting, including the newly elected officers and members of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Alliance.

Markle pointed out that some students who personally oppose homosexuality choose to keep their opinions quiet. The restructured STRAIGHT will attempt to voice the views of the silent, he said, while advocating moral behavior.

"I want to make sure it focuses on morality and responsibility and sexual health," he said.

The group's semester agenda was a matter of further discussion at the meeting. Possible events include a movie screening, a speaker series or a roundtable discussion with members of LGBSA. Furthermore, STRAIGHT will be reviewed by the Undergraduate Student Government Supreme Court for permanent organizational status on Sunday, Cadman said.

The meeting Tuesday was not the first time the nearly one-year-old STRAIGHT has considered sponsoring an event, said Steve McCann, a social/educational co-director of LGBSA who regularly attends STRAIGHT meetings. However, McCann said the restructured organization may poise itself to get more involved.

"They look like they're getting closer to actually doing an activity," said McCann, who was in attendance Tuesday. "LGBSA isn't going to change what it's done in the past. It will be interesting to see what (STRAIGHT does)."

Soliciting financial help to boost its depleted funds may be one activity STRAIGHT focuses on this semester, said newly elected treasurer Covener.

"I think the key to getting funding is to look to conservative national organizations, write to them, and see if they will give us budgetary help," he said.