Concerns about anti-LGBT public presentations on campus
September 17, 2019
Question 1: Many folks are wondering why we were subjected to high volume misogynistic
and transphobic rants on our way to the Wood Center Thursday afternoon 29. According to UAF policy, "No activity will be scheduled/approved on campus, which
in UAF's judgment evidences a clear likelihood of disrupting campus operations, interfering
with the rights of others, or the destruction of property. All persons on the property
of UAF have the obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with UAF’s
responsibilities as an educational institution." Did the man with the poster and his
colleague yelling anti-LGBT messages at passersby register with with the scheduling
office? If so, why was their activity approved, given its contradiction of UAF's stated
values? If not, why were they not escorted off the premises? I am heartbroken for
my students who heard these hateful messages and now feel unwelcome.
Questions 2: Can we not have people yelling hate speech in the middle of campus? It
was unfortunate to see a group of people holding a sign and yelling hate speech and
slurs directed against Title IX-protected groups in front of ELIF at lunchtime this
Thursday 29. There were so many students walking by that looked upset and uncomfortable - it's
not a great "Welcome to UAF!" message. What is the university policy on disturbances
like these? I was hoping to see campus police removing the group when I walked by
10 minutes later, but that was not the case.