Organizations support, give voice to students on sexual orientation
Ferris State University organizations make conversations about sexual orientation an open, diverse, and all-inclusive campus affair.
Brian Kelley, advisor of Diverse Sexuality and Gender Alliance (DSAGA), a registered student organization on campus, said, “I definitely feel that because it’s an educational environment at Ferris it’s an open environment.”
Kelley went on to say that the Office of Multicultural Student Services (OMSS) and the Office of Diversity Inclusion (ODI) have worked hard to make Ferris a more open environment and educate students on GLBT issues.
Justin Greenfield, sophomore in the nursing program, said, “I think it would be a good idea to have an inclusive campus because it would make people feel more comfortable and it would bring a greater variety of people here to Ferris.”
“Sexual orientation is not a choice, it starts at birth. Therefore, we need to embrace all different types of people because it would make our college a better place,” Greenfield said.
Taima Dry, freshman in the business program, also thinks it’s a good idea to make the campus more open and friendly to GLBT students. “It’s their choice and we shouldn’t criticize them,” said Dry.
Mike Karel, sophomore in the accounting and finance programs, took a similar stance on the issue and said, “GLBT students are no different than any other students on campus, yet they get a significant amount of hazing for no reason other than their sexual orientation.”
Allen Williamson, junior in the physician’s assistant program, thinks working to educate students on the issues that GLBT students face would be a great thing. He said that our society is becoming more open since there are a lot more people who come out about their orientation and don’t care what people think.
Williamson said, “We work and go to school with these people and I feel that a lot of students are still very uneducated and racist. If Ferris is going to work on educating students and making the campus more accepting then it’s good.”
While many voiced their support for a sexual diversity, others felt the university should adopt a less active tone.
Linzy Flier-Zylstra said, “I think we should be open and friendly to everyone, but I don’t think Ferris should condone or support the behavior.”
Kelley said that DSAGA is always looking for new members regardless of sexual orientation. The group meets every Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. in Rankin 109.