Editor:

Thank you for printing Bart Gatrell’s Oct. 14 letter to the editor, “Rainbow Flags Are Offensive.” I welcome this as an opportunity to address his arguments.

Gatrell began by saying that rainbow flags on campus were “just another example of the minority imposing its view on the majority.” What actually happened was that Gatrell was confronted with something he didn’t like. This is his definition of “imposing.” Poor guy.

Although Gatrell quickly withdrew the argument, his use of Nazism and homosexuals in the same sentence is unacceptable. Attention should instead be given to the argument sponsored by the Christian right that homosexuality is a threat to the “very sacred elements of society.” As a reminder, it is this same religious majority that felt morally justified in eradicating American Indians, owning slaves and treating women as second-class citizens. Gatrell’s group feels threatened because its influence is rapidly diminishing as more people agree that homosexuals are regular people trying to live good lives.

Gatrell also seemed amazed that the university would sponsor such offensive flags but not allow anything religious on campus. He is likely unaware that in September the U also sponsored a symposium panel made up of local faith-based religious leaders, a Mormon studies brown bag and a lecture series on evolution.

I consider Pride Week to be a success. How homosexuals should be treated under the law is a controversial topic that requires debate. I can think of no better place than a university to foster that discussion.

Courtney Boldt

Senior, Finance