An Open Letter to PLU Students: This Daily Flyer ad was paid for by QASU
We are a group of involved, committed and concerned student leaders. We work every day to make PLU a safer, more affirming and inclusive place to live and learn. We write to you concerned about the dialogue occurring in the ASPLU Presidential election. Recently, a concerned student asked Thomas Kim, a candidate for ASPLU President, why he did not support gender neutral housing. Thomas responded, “Personally, I do not think that GNH would create an environment in the long term for our students to experience the true love of Christ that He has in store for us.” We are deeply and personally upset by this for several reasons. First and foremost, this response displays a lack of concern for a sizeable and important portion of our community that needs an ASPLU President who will act as an advocate: our LGBTQ friends and family. LGBTQ youth are 2-6 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. Additionally, 50% of all LGBTQ youth report that their parents reject them due to their identity. Our LGBTQ students need our support; they need an advocate in the ASPLU President. Secondly, Thomas’s stated beliefs deeply contradict the religious values that guide our Lutheran university. Many of us find value in the following passage: “He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40 As student leaders, we strive to create a community that reflects these values. We strive, to the best of our abilities, to love our neighbors as ourselves and build a community in which we recognize all students and welcome every part of their identity. We strongly support the University Congregation’s efforts to become a Reconciling in Christ Congregation that welcomes all people including our LGBTQ friends. We are also strong advocates for adding gender neutral housing options to campus to make our university a safer, more inclusive and affirming place for all students. We fundamentally disagree with Thomas’ statement above as it does not reflect the PLU we know and love as an open and accepting university for all students. This is not intended to reflect negatively on Thomas or his service to PLU. We challenge him to reflect on these differing values and the needs of our LGBTQ students. Additionally, we challenge you to be informed and elect an ASPLU President who will lead as an advocate for all students and we encourage you to attend the debate on Wednesday at 7:30pm in UC 133. Respectfully yours, Lucas Kulhanek, Andrew Larsen, RHA Activities Director QASU Co-Commissioner Pam Barker, RHA President Elect & RHA Social Justice Director 2012-2013 Ian McMichael, University Congregation (ELCA) President, with the support of the University Karter Booher, ASPLU Diversity Director Congregation Council Princess Reese, Diversity Advocate Rachel Miller, Crossroads Co-Representative Stephanie Beckman, Rieke Scholar Kameron Jacobs, Director, Impact: Advertising and Design Leslie Ducay, Community Assistant with Sara Smith, ASPLU Senator Additional Duties of Kreidler Hall Tommy Flanagan, RHA Vice-President Elect Kelsey Greer, Junior Sociology Major Nellie Moran, QASU Co-Commissioner Christine Perkins, Senior Music Education Major