Ban on gay ads is outrageous, immoral
BY: Jay Johnson
The recent attack on gays and lesbians by the University administration with regards to "gay ads" is more than outrageous — it is criminal and immoral.
Father Malloy, Chandra Johnson and their ilk are acting in a way that can only be described as bigoted and hateful.
Notre Dame is a laughing stock among universities — and rightfully so. What other university goes to such lengths to discourage a healthy respect for free speech and human dignity?
It is hard to believe that in this "age of global democratization" censorship is allowed free reign here at Notre Dame. This is supposed to be a place of higher learning, and free speech is a vital part of that process.
Consider also that the wording of the policy is very vague. I wonder what or who will be next on the administration's "free speech chopping block"? Perhaps it will be your group or your ideas.
Given this haunting, Orwellian specter, it is clear that all campus organizations, no matter their general purpose, must take a stand on this issue. All individuals must take a stand on this matter as well. For this is an issue of human dignity and First Amendment rights. This is an issue that goes to the heart of what is meant by the phrase, "higher learning." No one should be silent.
I especially urge Common Sense and Scholastic to take this issue as their own. Thus far, both have been lacking in their vigilance to speak up on so-called "gay issues." But this attack on the First Amendment should enable these publications to see that the administration's hateful attitude towards gays affects all students — every single one of their readers.
Finally, I call upon the sheepish Notre Dame faculty to take a stand, gain strength in numbers and face down this attack on freedom and liberty. For too long the faculty has stood by and allowed the administration to attack gay and lesbian students and faculty members.
And in their silence, they have committed a grossly immoral act.
Jay Johnson
Graduate Student
Government and International Studies
August 27, 1999
All Viewpoint Stories for Monday, August 30, 1999
