This page is a copy (cut and paste) of the following document found on the University of Arkansas website (original publish date unknown; revised Sep 12 2010).
From
Razordykes to PRIDE and everything in between: A History of LGBT Student
Organizations at the University of Arkansas
Shehan
V. Welihindha
University
of Arkansas
Introduction
The year 2007
marks the silver anniversary of the continuous presence of a Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) student group on the University of Arkansas
campus. The journey this group has taken over the last twenty five years is a
testament to their cause, as they waded through institutional suppression,
legal battles, and internal conflicts. By overcoming numerous obstacles they flourished
to be twice recognized as the Registered Student Organization of the Year, from
among 300 organizations. As the LGBT razorbacks of yesteryear made their way
through college, much of their history failed to be passed on to the next
generation of incoming LGBT students and allies. What we know about them now is
preserved in newspaper archives, and the minds of administrators, faculty, and
alumni whose recollections are sure to fade with the passage of time. Because
of this likelihood, the need to document the history of the LGBT student
organizations’ presence is even more imperative at this time.
This paper is
intended to document the history of LGBT student organizations and their events
at the University of Arkansas campus. It is not only important but necessary
for this piece of campus history to be preserved. By documenting these events, readers
can get a glimpse of the LGBT campus climate of the past, and an insight to the
challenges these students had to endure. Future LGBT students and allies can
learn from the successes and failures of the previous groups, and
administrators can begin to understand the needs of this underrepresented minority.
The information contained in this paper could potentially be used by campus
administrators as a foundation from which to propose institutional recognition
of LGBT students in the future.
About the research
This research
project was intended to be a small independent study through an internship, but
developed into something much larger than the researcher had anticipated it
being. The process of researching the history of LGBT students at the
University of Arkansas was a challenging and time consuming task. The
University of Arkansas Mullins Library was in the process of archiving their
old newspapers at the time this research was conducted. As a result newspapers
on microfilm had to be manually scanned a page at a time in order to find most
articles. At the same time a large portion of newspapers from the 1990’s
onwards were in the process of being transferred to microfilm and were
unavailable for review.
While comparing
the researched information there were several discrepancies found regarding the
court cases in the 1980’s. Some of the resources had inaccurately listed the
occurrence of events and more time was required to integrate the information
accurately.
A few interesting
themes that were identified while completing this research. There were several
letters to the editors against the Razordykes, which progressively changed in
favor of the group. The same thing was noted with the GSA during their legal
battle with the University. It was also interesting to note that until the late
1990’s there was far less support for the LGBT groups from the University’s upper
administration as compared to mid-level administrators and faculty.
In order to
include a more personal perspective, the researcher identified and contacted 17
LGBT alumni, faculty and/or staff though e-mail. Only eight of those
individuals responded and were sent a brief summary of the research being
conducted along with an informal questionnaire. Two individuals responded with
the completed questionnaire and three responded with an interest in being
interviewed. The researcher set up interviews with these individuals, but due
to medical reasons was unable to complete them.
In the future a
more comprehensive history could be developed by including information from the
newspapers that were unavailable at the time of the research. Personal
perspectives of alumni who experienced some of the hardships of the Razordykes
and GSA could be added as well. It would also be beneficial to interview the
administrators involved to understand their position on the issues at the time.
The 1970’s – The rise of the Razordykes
The existence of
an LGBT student group at an Arkansas college campus today may seem surprising
to some, but it is even more intriguing to note that the first official LGBT
student organization at the University of Arkansas appeared over 30 years ago. In
1976, a group of lesbian students banded together to form the University of
Arkansas Associated Lesbians under the umbrella of the Women’s Center (Reich,
1979). The reason behind the timing of this group’s creation is unknown, but it
is evident that it occurred in the years when women were protesting gender
discrimination, and war protests were starting to wane across the nations’
colleges and universities. In 1977 the group unofficially took on the name
“Razordykes” as a satirical play on the University of Arkansas’ mascot, the
Razorback. This did not please the student body or the administration and soon
the group found itself a victim of interrogation, discrimination, and name
calling (Froelich, 1995).
On October 5th,
1978, a reporter at a Student Services forum raised a question regarding the
funding of the Razordykes (Gelfand, 1978; Orman, 1978b). An investigation by
the administration revealed that the group was indirectly funded through
student fees, due to the fact that it was being housed by the Women’s Center.
Within a week (on October 12th) the Traveler, the campus newspaper, published a front page report about
the forum generating a plethora of letters to the editor. Initially the letters
were of repulsion and hostility, but over time were gradually being equaled by
letters of support and encouragement. Later that month, stirred up by the
discovery of the Razordykes’ funding, the Student Senate passed a resolution
stating that the Razordykes were of low quality merit and should be the Women’s
Center’s lowest priority (Orman, 1978a). They requested that the group change
its name and suggested that the Women’s Center gradually phase the group out;
an opinion that was shared by the administration. On November 7th the
Women’s Center responded with a firm statement indicating that they would stand
behind the Razordykes and refused to force them out (Women's center: We won't
tolerate UA forcing Razordykes out of WC.1978).
In 1979, the
Women’s Center was relocated to the basement of the Arkansas Union. They were
directed by the administration to accept members of conservative student groups
as viable women’s interest groups that needed the Center’s umbrella funding.
The groups were Vigil for Life, and Emergency Pregnancy Services (two
anti-abortion groups), and Family, Life, America, and God (FLAG). When the
Women’s Center discovered that these groups were already being funded by the student
government they denied them admission to Center. As a result, members of the
Women’s Center were accused of being a feminist clique. Not soon afterwards, Dr.
Lyle Gohn (then Vice Chancellor for Student Services) ordered that the Women’s
Center be shut down for reasons that are as of yet unknown. Soon afterwards,
the Razordykes dissolved (Froelich, 1995).
The 1980’s – The decade of turmoil
Though
the Women’s Center was eliminated, a few of the subgroups under its umbrella
continued to flourish as individual student groups. One such group, Problem
Pregnancy, which assisted students in dealing with unwanted pregnancies, drew
much attention. In February of 1981, funding for the group was vetoed by the
Student Senate. Problem Pregnancy filed a lawsuit in student court and a
Student Senate Justice was appointed to investigate the case. Dr. Gordon
Beasely (then Vice President of Student Affairs) cited bias in the investigation
and as a result was accused of being a supporter of a lesbian group on campus.
Following this incident, Dr. James Martin (then President of the University of
Arkansas system) asked Dr. Beasely to resign, citing communication problems as
the reason for dismissal (Froelich, 1995).
The
following year, in 1982, a group of students who were concerned about the
possibility of rising discrimination against lesbians and gay students on
campus formed the Gay and Lesbian Student Association (GLSA). The GLSA’s
purpose was to educate the campus community about lesbian and gay issues, and
advocate for their protection at the University of Arkansas. As a student
organization the group was eligible to request funds directly from the student government.
In January of 1983, the GLSA submitted a budget for $136 to the Associated
Student Government (ASG) which was plainly denied (Frazier, 1983). The group
then contacted the ACLU who took an interest and agreed to represent the GLSA
if needed (ACLU suit to allege bias at university, 1983). To raise awareness of
the Student Senate’s decision and the organization itself, the GLSA held a
rally which drew extensive media attention, including coverage in the state
capital of Little Rock.
In response to the
rally, State Rep. Travis Dowd of Texarkana (D) submitted HR16, a resolution to
“contain the spread of homosexuality on the Fayetteville campus”, which would
require the administration to monitor the activities of homosexual students (The
Associated Press, 1983a). He later withdrew his resolution so that he could “do
more homework” and expand it to the entire state instead of singling out the UA
(Boling, 1983; Rice, 1983). The revised resolution, HR25, was intended to "stem
the tide of homosexuality on Arkansas College and University campuses". The
bill would have required school administrators and campus police to report any
homosexual activities on their campuses to the state (Greene, 1983). This
proposed bill drew the attention of the ACLU and several organizations across
the state. Sandra Kurjiaka of the ACLU, with the assistance of the Arkansas
Chapter of the National Organization for Women, the Arkansas Women's Political
Caucus, and Arkansas Gay Rights, successfully blocked the passage of the bill
by gaining the support of the House Committee (The Associated Press, 1983c; The
Associated Press, 1983b).
While this was
going on at the state level, there was some discussion at the University of
Arkansas Student Senate level regarding negotiations with the GLSA. But with the
threat of a lawsuit in the air, the Student Senate decided to take no action
and allow the matter to proceed through the courts (Hinds, 1983). Soon after
this the GLSA had consulted a local lawyer and with the assistance of the ACLU,
began building a case against University officials for denying them funding,
alleging violation of their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. A few weeks
after the failure of the resolution, the GLSA held a rally to celebrate the
victory and to show the public how they have been discriminated against (Albright,
1983).
In
the Fall of 1983, an anti-gay group calling itself Angels of War emerged. The
purpose of the group, according to its founder who called himself “Gabriel”
(after one of the angels in the Bible who destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah), was
“to be a helping organization for people who are being pressured by
homosexuals”. In an article with the Traveler,
Gabriel went on to call homosexuals “emotionally sick” and claimed that there
is no such thing as homophobia (Crockett & Beeber, 1984). The group however
was not recognized by the administration as a registered student organization.
In
the Fall semester of 1984, several student senators (ASG) introduced a bill to
deny funds to a group "whose primary function is the promotion of sexual
preference or any education thereof". Although the bill passed, it was
vetoed by ASG President Sarah Hicks. The ASG senators petitioned to override
the veto, but it was soon withdrawn after a false rumor spread that the ACLU
would file a lawsuit against the student senators (Morris, 1986). Members of
the GLSA continued to experience harassment for the remainder of the year, including
an incident where several men in masks fired bottle rockets into the room where
the group was meeting. On another occasion a GLSA officer was “outed” to his
parents who were unaware of his sexual orientation (Froelich, 1995). Ironically
ASG allocated $70 to the GLSA for a movie and lecturer in December of that
year. Though a victory for the group, the discussion preceding the decision was
heated and lasted for almost an hour (Tracz, 1984).
In
1985, an anti-gay group of students calling themselves The United Students Association
began a campaign to discredit the GLSA. The group accused six university officials
of "leading a homosexual takeover of the U of A," by embezzling
"thousands of taxpayer's money and have given secretly to the Gay and
Lesbian Society". The GLSA responded by forming an ad hoc committee that met
with Chancellor Gatewood to discuss homophobia on campus. The discussion
resulted in recommendations that a directive be sent out to all University supervisory
personnel citing the University's policy to prohibit discrimination on the
basis of sexual orientation and to create a "safe learning environment for
all". It is believed that Chancellor Gatewood eventually withdrew from
following through on these recommendations, though there is no evidence to
support it. Not long after this, University Programs brought in Dr. Paul Cameron
(a psychologist who has since been discredited by the American Psychological
Association) as a special speaker. In his speech he called for the quarantine
of all gay men to prevent the spread of AIDS (Froelich, 1995). A group of
lesbians stood up in protest and began singing “we will prevail” only to be
escorted out by University Police (Stambuck, 1987).
In
April 1986, after no response from the administration, the GLSA filed a lawsuit
against Dr. Gohn and the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas in the
District Court alleging violations of their First Amendment and Fourteenth
Amendment rights due to the denial of funding (Lawsuit filed as last effort to
gain funds, 1986). In May 1986 the University’s representatives filed for an
order to dismiss the case stating that Dr. Gohn and the Board of Trustees had
nothing to do with ASG’s decision, that “the Student Senate’s action was theirs
alone and not those of the defendants”. The dismissal request was denied and
the court date was set for January 20, 1987 (Morris, 1986). In October that
year, the GLSA requested to amend the lawsuit by including the University of
Arkansas system President, Ray Thornton and 35 members of ASG (Osher, 1986a).
Judge Waters denied the request as it was past the 90 day period in which
additional parties could be added to the case (Osher, 1986b).
After
hearing the case in January 1987, judge Waters made his decision in March and found
that the denial of funding did not violate the GLSA’s First or Fourteenth
Amendment rights. In a memorandum attached to his ruling, Judge Waters stated
that “although the University could not justify denying the GLSA funds, the
courts have not said that the University has to give funding to such groups”, but
that it was nevertheless responsible for ASG’s decision. He further went on to
say that “the denial of funding had an impact, but did not prevent the
organization from advocating its views” (Osher, 1987b; Gay & Lesbian
Students Ass'n v. Gohn). Although this was a big disappointment to GLSA, Linda
Lovell, former president of the group said that this was an opening to take it
to the Circuit Court where they would appeal the decision.
In
March 1987, a student organization called Americans Informing Americans, whose
purpose is to inform people about pressing issue in society, sponsored Paul
Cameron for his second visit to campus. Cameron said that “homosexuality was a
crime against humanity, and should be treated as such” (Stambuck, 1987). He
further blamed homosexuals for the AIDS crisis and suggested that all gay
organizations and gay bars be eliminated, as well as instituting a mass
anti-homosexual campaign in schools to prevent the spread of the virus. His
talk was attended by supporters and protestors, but the event was relatively
peaceful compared to his first visit. In April, the GLSA hosted its second Gay
and Lesbian Culture Week which featured films, speakers and a Spring Dance (GLSA
sponsors cultural week with speakers, film, dance, 1987).
On July 6, 1987,
the group appealed the court’s decision to the 8th Circuit Court of
Appeals in St. Louis, MO. The GLSA was being represented by Nan D. Hunter of
the ACLU foundation in New York, and Clayton R. Blackstock of Little Rock (Osher,
1987a). In August of that year the University appealed judge Waters’ ruling
that the University is responsible for the action of ASG.
In June 1988, the Court
of Appeals ruled in favor of GLSA, finding that the group’s First Amendment
rights had been violated by the denial of public funds (Minor, 1988). They held
that:
A public body that chooses to fund speech or
expression must do so even-handedly, without discriminating among recipients on
the basis of their ideology. According to the court, while the university was
not required to supply funds to student organizations, once having decided to
do so, it was bound by the First Amendment to act without regard to the content
of the ideas being expressed. (Gay & Lesbian Students Asso. v. Gohn).
As a result the decision of the
district court was overturned. The University tried to appeal the court’s
decision in August 1988, but it was denied.
Soon after the
court case the controversy surrounding the group began to subside, as evidenced
by letters to the editor in the Traveler,
which ran in favor of the GLSA. The group began recovering from the years of
turmoil and was able to concentrate on programming activities. It continued to
receive funding for its programs and projects, including public speakers,
fundraisers, and educational campaigns. In the Fall of 1988 they hosted a Gay
Culture Week on campus which included events such as historical films of the
gay movement and seminars on homophobia and racism; events that were heckled by
only a handful of anti-gay protesters.
The 1990’s – We’re changing our name... again… and again
After almost a
decade of external forces trying to extinguish them, the GLSA persevered and
was determined to succeed. They now had the protection of the courts and were
confident in their ability to finally focus on their mission. But even with all
the successes, they were unaware of the one thing that could potentially bring
them down… themselves.
In 1994 the GLSA decided to change its name to
the Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Student Association (GLBSA) to be more inclusive
of its members. The group reached a membership of 30 and was lead by their
president Donna Asberidge, a lesbian activist for four years before coming to
Fayetteville. In October of that year the GLBSA sponsored a Coming Out Day
program at the Greek Theater on the UA campus, which drew over 200 people. A
man approached Asberidge requesting he be allowed to speak on the compatibility
of Christianity and homosexuality. Asberidge
granted him the opportunity, but instead of speaking about compatibility he preached
a homophobic message, which resulted in many people leaving the event (Froelich,
1995).
In 1995 tension within the GLBSA began to take
root. The group was divided between those who wanted to maintain a level of
campus awareness and activism, and those who want the group to serve a more
social role for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals (Froelich, 1995). In the Spring
semester Allen Brewer was elected president of the group and was expected to
solve the dilemma. But due to the turmoil still brewing over the group's
direction and purpose, the membership declined to no more than five members at
its meetings by the end of the semester. In the Fall semester Chris Jones was
elected as the new president of the GLBSA. It is unclear whether Brewer
resigned or was replaced due to the fracture of the group (GSA's History, 1997).
With new
leadership the GLBSA appeared to be making a sound recovery. The group
developed a website, and started using e-mail to announce meetings and manage
contacts. This method of communication and access over the internet was
significant in increasing the membership. The e-mail list had grown to almost
100 contacts and meetings saw approximately 15-20 members. The group sold t-shirts
that depicted ten razorbacks (one of which was pink) on the front in a
triangle, with the phrase “one out of ten razorbacks” around the hogs. The
fundraiser brought in over $200. In October of that year the group sponsored another
Coming Out Day event at the Greek Theater. The event was attended by 75-100
people and lasted over two hours. Several individuals including Bill and Vivian
from Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), and Chris
Christoffel from Bisexuals, Gays, Lesbians & Allies for Diversity (BGLAD)
spoke at the event. In December of that year the group participated in the AIDS
Walk which was sponsored by the Northwest Arkansas AIDS Brigade, and helped fundraise
over $300 during the event (GSA's History,
1997).
In
1996 Leilani Roberts was elected president of the GLBSA and the members voted
to change the group's name yet again. The new name was to be the Gay Student
Alliance (GSA) and there were two reasons for this. The first was that the
former name of the Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Student Association was unusually
long and a more concise name was needed. The second was that the members
believed the word “gay” could serve as an umbrella term to replace queer,
lesbian, bisexual, etc (GSA's History, 1997).
The
name change and new leadership may have had a positive effect on the group as was
evidenced in their activities. Several social and educational programs were
sponsored including a panel discussion in the Arkansas Union Ballroom, and a
cookout at the home of Roberts. The GSA sent four of its members to a regional
conference for GLB college organizations and even went on a day trip to Eureka
Springs with members of the LGBT student group at the University of Arkansas at
Little Rock. In the Fall semester Brandon Bolinger was elected president.
Bolinger and Blake Crawford attended a state conference in Little Rock
sponsored by the Arkansas Gay and Lesbian Task Force (GSA's History, 1997).
In 1997 the group
allocated $300 towards the purchase of about ten GLB books to be donated to the
university library. The books included a bookplate inside indicating they were
donated by the GSA. The leadership structure was changed from a President and
other typical officers, to an executive board of chairpersons out of which is
elected an executive chair. This board was to have greater autonomy over the
activities of the group, and better serve the nature of the organization.
On October 11th, 1997, in recognition
of National Coming Out Day, the group reserved a booth at the city of
Fayetteville's AutumnFest Celebration. About 50 people stopped by and conversed
with the group, who answered questions, distributed pamphlets, and had various LGBT
books available for browsing. After the event the GSA hosted a cookout on the
Fulbright lawn with food sponsored by Tyson Foods and Sysco Foods. The
AutumnFest booth and cookout were both successful. On November 7th
& 8th twelve members of GSA attended the First Diversity
Celebration Weekend in Eureka Springs. The group participated in several
activities and is believed to have enjoyed themselves. As a fundraiser, the
group printed t-shirts with its logo on the pocket and the phrase “One more and
I get my free toaster oven..." on the back (GSA's History, 1997).
Not much is
documented about the activities of the GSA between 1998 and 1999 save for Bobby
Lindsey being elected executive chair in 1998 and Ryan Allen being elected to
the position in 1999. However in November 1999, the GSA chose to change its
name once more, this time to the People Respecting Individual Differences and
Equality (PRIDE). The reason for this was to become more inclusive of
individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity (J. J. Harbin, personal
communication February 8, 2007). Table 1 lists the different names of the LGBT
organizations at the University of Arkansas.
The 2000’s – We’re active, we’re active not
In the Spring of
2000, Erin Corwin was elected executive chair of the group for the 2000–2001
academic year and Casey Willits was elected vice chair. Through Corwin’s
leadership, the group enjoyed a successful year taking home two awards at the
annual Student Involvement and Leadership Awards in the Spring of 2001 (J. J. Harbin,
personal communication, February 8, 2007). That semester PRIDE cosponsored the
Mr. Her / Ms. Him pageant (a cross dressing contest) which drew in a decent
sized crowd.
Later that
semester Amada Struckle was elected president and continued the highly active
persona of the group through the end of the 2001–2002 academic year. In August
2001, Willits hosted a rally in protest of the exclusion of gays in the Boy
Scouts of America. Willits himself a former Boy Scout and later on an Eagle
Scout had been discriminated against due to his sexual orientation. Although
small, the protest was extremely successful and Willits received several
supporting phone calls from the local Scouting community (Willits, 2001).
Jeremy Whisenhunt
was elected executive chair the Spring of 2002. For unknown reasons the
attendance at PRIDE meetings began to decline. That following Spring (2003) J.
C. Murray, who had served at the group’s secretary for the previous two years, was
elected executive chair. He organized the group’s annual National Day of
Silence in April which received extensive local media coverage.
In the Spring of
2004, a complete turnover of officers took place at the group’s annual
elections. Casey Willits (vice chair in 2001) was elected to be the executive
chair of the group. Having been involved with the group for several years, he
set out to reorganize and restructure the mission of the group. Willits dove
right into the role even before he was officially executive chair.
With the help of
his new financial chair Andrew Cassada (now Andrew Montague) and vice chair
Shehan Welihindha, Willits organized the National Day of Silence events which
included a silent march from the Fayetteville Square, through Dickson Street,
to the Union Mall. The silent march was attended by over 75 individuals from
the University, Fayetteville High School, and the local community who held
signs and banners. The march started at 5:00 pm and was intended to coincide
with rush-hour traffic. Surprisingly the marchers ran into more supporters than
protesters. The march ended at the Union Mall where everyone broke the silence
with shouts, cheers, and noise makers. This was followed by speeches from
Willits, and representatives of the local Democratic and Green parties. In
April the group sent five members to the Teaching, Activism, Learning, and
Knowledge conference (TALK) at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway,
AR.
That summer
Willits and Welihindha assisted local organizers with the first Northwest
Arkansas Gay Pride Parade. The duo organized several entries for the parade,
including a marriage float where a local minister “married” same-sex couples, a
float covered in rainbow colored balloons, flag twirlers with rainbow flags,
and a convertible with drag queens. Over 150 people joined the parade which was
led by “dykes on bikes”, followed by several other floats and marchers. The
parade started at the Fayetteville Square, went down Dickson Street, and ended
at the Powerhouse Restaurant. The parade was met with a few religious
protestors along Dickson Street who heckled through a megaphone, but several
vehicles in the parade drowned them out with their horns. Later that summer a
few members of PRIDE drove to Little Rock to participate in the annual AIDS
walk fundraiser.
The Fall of 2004 was
one of PRIDE’s most active semesters (in a while). The group hosted its staple
National Coming Out Day and Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Vigil in October, and sent
five of its members to the National Gay Lesbian Task Force Creating Change
Conference in St. Louis, MO. The group had received a $600 donation from the
local Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation group (GLAAD) that helped
reduce the cost of attending the conference. A few weeks before the state and
national elections, PRIDE hosted a panel in the Arkansas Union Connections
Lounge to discuss the implications of the proposed state marriage amendment,
which drew a large crowd during the lunch hour. For World AIDS Day, PRIDE
collaborated with University Programs to bring four sections of the World AIDS
Quilt to campus, which was displayed at the Anne Kittrell Art Gallery on the UA
campus during the first week of December.
In the Spring of
2005, Willits withdrew from the University due to medical reasons and
Welihindha took on the role of executive chair, who then appointed Joey Porter
to the role of vice chair. Work began on the “Big Gay Weekend” that Willits had
proposed for that semester prior to withdrawing, which included the Mr. Her /
Ms. Him pageant, the TALK conference, and a gay prom. The pageant was held on
April 1st in collaboration with Friday Night Live (FNL) and
University Programs, and was the theme for that FNL event titled “Fooling
around w/ FNL”. The pageant was held at the Union Ballroom and was hosted by
Wille Hernandez from The Real World – Philadelphia, with special guest Raven
Blue (Welihindha) who was the winner of the pageant in 2001. The pageant was a
huge success drawing in an audience of over 500 with standing room only. Two
local drag queens, Kaina Martinez and Taylor Madison Munroe, were guest
performers. The pageant was also attended by members of several other campus
LGBT organizations who were in town for the Big Gay Weekend.
The TALK
conference was held the next day at Old Main with an attendance of about 65
individuals from college campuses and high schools across the state. Sessions
included a variety of topics such as LGBT leadership and Transgender 101. Later
that evening, conference attendees met up at the “Big Gay Dance”, which was
held at the Multicultural Center. Eventures Party Rentals donated almost $1000
in equipment rentals for the day’s events. The conference and dance went off
well, although the attendance fell a little shorter than expected presumably due
to it coinciding with Diversity Weekend, an LGBT event in Eureka Springs, AR.
Later that month
the group held its 2005-2006 elections, where Dwayne Bensing was elected
executive chair and Joey Porter was elected vice chair. Table 2 lists the
officers of the LGBT organizations at the University of Arkansas. In December
2005 PRIDE hosted a day long event for World AIDS Day in conjunction with the
Black Students Association, the Student Health Advisory Committee, and
University Programs. This included an information table on HIV/AIDS at the
Union Food Court, a silent auction, a jazz pianist, an opera singer, sections
of the AIDS quilt displayed in the Anne Kittrell Art Gallery, and a
presentation by radio show host Dr. Drew. Over $1000 were raised at the silent
auction from pieces donated by local artists, and the proceeds were then presented
to the Washington County HIV Clinic. In the Spring of 2006 PRIDE received the
Outstanding RSO award for the World AIDS Day event at the annual RSO awards.
Conclusion
For over 25 years
LGBT students have fought for equal rights and acceptance at the University of
Arkansas. Through the suppression, lawsuits, and internal conflict, they have
come a long way to eventually find support and success. Yet they are one major
stepping stone away from feeling fully accepted at the University, i.e. through
institutional recognition. With the recent passing of several city ordinances
that are inclusive of LGBT individuals, the legalization of same-sex marriage
in several states, the increase in the number or openly gay celebrities and
role models, and the increase in the amount of positive representation of LGBT
individuals in the media, the number of LGBT college students who are open
about their sexual orientation/gender identity will increase. In an effort to
recruit and retain the best students, institutions of higher education must
make strides in providing services for all historically underrepresented
groups. In order to target LGBT students, institutions of higher education
across the nation have officially begun recognizing this population by
specifically providing services and a safe physical space (an LGBT
office/center), which is not only a necessity, but the right thing to do. As
seen in this article, LGBT student groups at the University of Arkansas have
historically been underrepresented. Being student groups, the programming and
services for campus LGBT students rests solely on the each year’s officers and
members. Continuity, consistency, and funding are not guaranteed, and student
members lack the education and expertise needed to provide support/services to
other students. By providing targeted services, supportive staff, and a safe
location, the University of Arkansas can ensure that this student population
flourishes to their fullest academic and personal potential. Judging from the small
steps of progress the LGBT groups at the University of Arkansas have made over
the last 25 years, there is not doubt that they will eventually reach the
ultimate goal of institutional recognition at some point in the near future.
Tables
Table 1.
LGBT student
organizations at the University of Arkansas
|
|
Years
|
Name
|
1976-1977
|
University of
Arkansas Associated Lesbians
|
1977-1979
|
Razordykes
|
1982-1994
|
Gay and Lesbian
Student Association (GLSA)
|
1994-1996
|
Gay, Lesbian, and
Bisexual Student Association (GLBSA)
|
1996-1999
|
Gay Student Alliance
(GSA)
|
1999-Present
|
People Respecting
Individual Differences and Equality (PRIDE)
|
Table 2.
Officers of LGBT student organizations at the University of Arkansas
|
||
Term
|
Officer
|
Name
|
1994 – 1995
|
President
|
Donna Asberidge
|
1995 Fall
|
President
|
Allen Brewer
|
1996 Spring
|
President
|
Chris Jones
|
1996 Fall
|
President
|
Leilani Roberts
|
1997 Spring
|
Executive Chair
|
Brandon Bolinger
|
1998 – 1999
|
Executive Chair
|
Bobby Lindsey
|
1999 – 2000
|
Executive Chair
|
Ryan Allen
|
2000 – 2001
|
Executive Chair
|
Erin Corwin
|
Vice Chair
|
Casey Willits
|
|
2001 – 2002
|
Executive Chair
|
Amanda Struckle
|
Vice Chair
|
Jeremy Whisenhunt
|
|
2002 – 2003
|
Executive Chair
|
Jeremy Whisenhunt
|
2003 – 2004
|
Executive Chair
|
J. C. Murray
|
2004 Fall
|
Executive Chair
|
Casey Willits
|
Vice Chair
|
Shehan Welihindha
|
|
2005 Spring
|
Executive Chair
|
Shehan Welihindha
|
Vice Chair
|
Joey Porter
|
|
2005 – 2006
|
Executive Chair
|
Dwayne Bensing
|
Vice Chair
|
Joey Porter
|
|
2006 – 2007
|
Executive Chair
|
Alex Johnson
|
Vice Chair
|
Maggie LaGaie
|
|
References
ACLU
suit to allege bias at university.(1983, March 4). Arkansas Democrat, p. 14A.
Albright,
K. (1983, March 31). Gay rights backers rally. Northwest Arkansas Times, pp. 1-2.
Boling,
S. (1983, February 15). Dowd to revise bill concerning homosexuality. The Arkansas Traveler, pp. 1, 8.
Crockett,
S., & Beeber, D. (1984, March 6). UA student forms anti-gay group. The Arkansas Traveler,
Frazier,
A. (1983, January 28). Senate cites law in denying funds to homosexual group. The Arkansas Traveler, p. 1.
Froelich,
J. A. (1995). The gay and lesbian movement in arkansas: An investigative study.
(M.A., University of Arkansas).
Gay
& Lesbian Students Ass'n v. Gohn, Civil No. 86-5052 1045 (UNITED STATES
DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS, FAYETTEVILLE DIVISION
Gay
& Lesbian Students Asso. v. Gohn, Nos. 87-1486, 87-1569 361 (UNITED STATES
COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE EIGHTH CIRCUIT
Gelfand,
B. (1978, October 12). Students question funding at forum. The Arkansas Traveler, p. 1.
GLSA
sponsors cultural week with speakers, film, dance.(1987, April 10). The Arkansas Traveler, p. 9.
Greene,
O. (1983, February 16). Newest resolution mandates reports on homosexuality. Arkansas Democrat,
GSA's history. (1997). Unpublished
manuscript.
Hinds,
K. (1983, March 11). ASG won't 'negotiate' funding for gays. The Arkansas Traveler, pp. 1, 6.
Lawsuit
filed as last effort to gain funds.(1986, April 23). The Arkansas Traveler, pp. 1, 6.
Minor,
R. (1988, August 31). GLSA wins appal; university remains silent. The Arkansas Traveler, p. 1.
Morris,
S. (1986, April 23). GLSA files suit alleging rights violation. The Arkansas Traveler, p. 1.
Orman,
J. (1978a, December 20). ASG acts on razordyke funding. Grapevine,
Orman,
J. (1978b, November 15). Womens center controversy: Questions raised on
razordyke funding. Grapevine, pp. 4-5,
7.
Osher,
C. (1986a, September 24). GLSA ammends UA lawsuit. The Arkansas Traveler, p. 3.
Osher,
C. (1986b, October 22). Waters denies GLSA lawsuit. The Arkansas Traveler, p. 3.
Osher,
C. (1987a, September 23). GLSA appeals ruling in discrimination case. The Arkansas Traveler, p. 1.
Osher,
C. (1987b, March 27). GLSA loses lawuit; will appeal decision. The Arkansas Traveler, pp. 1, 3.
Reich,
P. (1979, February 15). Razordykes continue, despite flack. The Arkansas Traveler, pp. 7-8.
Rice,
M. T. (1983, February 9). Homosexuality bill delayed by sponsor. Arkansas Democrat, p. 3B.
Stambuck,
H. (1987, April 1). Homosexuality crime against society. The Arkansas Traveler, p. 1.
The
Associated Press. (1983a, February 1). Dowd plans resolution on homosexuality
at UA. Springdale News, p. 4A.
The
Associated Press. (1983b, February 27). Panel defeats homosexual resolution. Springdale News, p. 3A.
The
Associated Press. (1983c, February 26). Recommendation refused; resolution to
'stem the tide' of homosexuality. Southwest
Times, p. 5A.
Tracz,
T. (1984, December 7). Senate allocates GLSA, 14 other groups ''B'' funds. The Arkansas Traveler, p. 1.
Willits,
C. (2001). Personal statement – casey
willits, gay eagle scout, 19 years old., 2007, from
http://uark.edu/%7Epride/archives/s4a/scouting.html
Women's
center: We won't tolerate UA forcing razordykes out of WC.(1978, November 7). The Arkansas Traveler, p. 1.
