Notre Dame to weigh gay-straight alliance plan

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Supporters of efforts to recognize a gay-straight alliance at the University of Notre Dame say they’re encouraged by university administrators’ decision to table discussion of the matter until the fall instead of rejecting it outright.

The Student Senate and the Faculty Senate passed resolutions this year urging recognition of a gay-straight alliance to provide support and education on matters related to sexual orientation.

The South Bend Tribune reports the proposals did not go before Notre Dame’s Academic Council or the university’s board of trustees. Instead, student organizers were told a decision would be delayed until the fall while the university reviews existing non-discrimination practices and protections.

Alex Coccia, a sophomore and co-president of the Progressive Student Alliance, said he was encouraged that the decision would be part of a broader review.

“One thing that was made very clear this semester was that as a community we need to address inclusion in many different arenas, and, therefore, a broader review is necessary,” Coccia said.

Some employees say the move signals a shifting environment in which the issues are more openly discussed, both at Notre Dame and in South Bend.

Richard Herbst, assistant director of public interest law at Notre Dame Law School, said the culture on campus has changed since he was a Notre Dame undergraduate from 2000 to 2004.

“The discussion is being held more openly by members of the GLBT community, allies and those who don’t subscribe to either group. It’s less whispered about,” he said. “Notre Dame is a better place for GLBT students than it was when I was an undergraduate.”

Maria McKenna, director of undergraduate studies for the Department of Africana studies, said an equality ordinance adopted by South Bend recently is being felt by students on campus.

“It’s amazing to watch the students drive the conversation. Without the student support for GLBT issues on this campus, I don’t think we’d be where we are in this conversation,” said McKenna, a 1997 Notre Dame graduate.

Notre Dame in 1997 adopted a “statement of inclusion” describing the university’s regard for all people, with specific reference to lesbians and gays.

Administrators say they will improve awareness of existing protections and work to make the inclusion statement more explicit and effective.