To the Susquehanna Community:

We write this in response to a letter by John Topper, class of '65, which appeared in Susquehanna Today Winter 2003. As persons of tolerance and respect for the protection of fundamental freedoms, we accept the right of others to express their beliefs to the community at large. Our purpose is not to censure the beliefs expressed therein; rather, we merely seek to answer the question posed by the letter: "What kind of a slap in the face have you just given to who knows how many loyal alumni by your obvious approval and visual support of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (L.G.B.T.) association?" The short answer, in our opinion, is none at all. In fact, it is our opinion, that approval and support of L.G.B.T. promotes the mission of Susquehanna and assists in preparing students for success in an ever more diverse world.

Two quotations inform our opinion:

1. The highest result of education is tolerance -- Helen Keller

2. Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others - John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Susquehanna's mission is to educate students for productive and reflective lives of achievement, leadership, and service in a diverse and rapidly changing world. This concept of a diverse world includes individuals of all sexual orientations. Therefore, in order to fulfill the mission, Susquehanna must educate students on the issues of sexual orientation and help instill tolerance of all. Secondly, the 2002-2003 Student Handbook states, "each [member of this community] also is expected to help guarantee the rights of other members of this community to free expression." Lastly, the Student Handbook further states, "all members of the community should be encouraged to participate in critical inquiry and to engage in sustained and independent search for truth. Free expression of ideas is of essential importance in this search." In recognition of these statements, it is difficult to see how the recognition of L.G.B.T. does anything short of furthering the educational mission at Susquehanna.

In response to the suggestion that the "founding fathers" of the university must be "rolling over in their graves," I offer two statements. First, the Student Handbook states, "the Lutheran tradition is a diverse and accepting one…there is no hindrance to the free exploration of ideas." Secondly, the Web site for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) contains the following statement regarding sexual orientation: "The ELCA has acted to welcome gay and lesbian people to participate fully in the life of its congregations and to reject discrimination, assault, and harassment of gay and lesbian persons." Since the ELCA encourages tolerance and acceptance, we believe it is a gross exaggeration to suggest that the approval and support of L.G.B.T. would cause the founders to "roll over in their graves."

In closing we ask the entire Susquehanna Community to heed the words of John Fitzgerald Kennedy: "If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity."

Respectfully submitted,
Garrett Bissell, class of 2001
Tanni Rase Bissell, class of 2001

Founding Fathers

John Topper's letter printed in the Winter 2003 edition of "Susquehanna Today" talks about S.U.'s founding fathers." Because of a group called L.G.B.T., he states our "founding fathers" would roll over in their graves.

Talking about how our founding fathers would react to present conditions at S.U. is really "goosing a ghost."

How about:
- No compulsory chapel.
- A non-minister as president.
- Two students on the board of directors.
- No curfew for women students.
- Women on the board.
- Women having an equal number of teams, competing on a varsity level helped by Title IX.
- A goal for minority enrollment.

Financial support to the university is confidential but I fail to find John's name in the most recent Annual Report of donors. Whatever he has given I hope he reconsiders whether a single issue is sufficient to break his ties with S.U.

The university needs the support of all constituents to continue our progress and to remain "Susquehanna Today."

Doug Arthur '49 H'96

Support for Strategic Vision

This letter is in response to the announcement of the new "Strategic Vision and Themes" and the letter to the editor published in the Winter 2003 issue of Susquehanna Today. We would like to commend the University for its new commitment to promoting diversity through the strategic vision as well as for its support of organizations like the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Alumni Association.

Incorporating the value of diversity into all facets of university life encourages students to learn from others' experiences, become more self-aware, and develop an enlightened worldview and respect for all human beings. The LGBT Alumni Association is not only consistent with this vision, but is EXACTLY the "kind of excellence SU strives to instill in its undergraduates." As this letter proves, for every one alumnus who does not support SU's growth, there are many more who do and will continue to contribute financially and refer prospective students. We respect, support, and encourage Susquehanna's progress so it may continue to prepare young adults to make meaningful contributions in this ever-changing society.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Allen '00 Member, LGBT Alumni Association, Erin Aults '02, Amanda Austin '01, Sarah Battistini '01, Janel Brogley '02, Kathleen Buckley '01, Alicia C. Bunger '01, Adam T. Cole '02, Giuseppe DeBartolo '99, Deanna Deibler, Professor Emeritus of Music Galen Deibler, Heather Devine '99, Tyler Dumont '01, Kara Erdman '00, Sarah Farbo '00, J. Eric Fisher '00, Rachel Lea Fisher '00, Elizabeth Fontenla '02, David Fontes '00, Amy Franke '01, Jaime Goodwin '02, Jason Hagey '97, Roxanne Halpine '01, Andrea Higgins '00, Susie Burd '00 Hill, Martin Hill '00, Jeff Hoffman '91, Danamarie Hough '99, Amanda R. Jellen '02, Emmett Ian Kirwan '96, Deborah Kline '99, Amy E. Kriebel '02, Amy LeBrun '00, Ashley Leitzel '02, David T. Little '01, Jennifer Z. Lovett '97, Christopher M. McLamb '01, Alyssa M. Miller '01, Jon O'Harrow '00, Catherine Pierce '00, Orion Jorn Reinsel '98, Jen Rock '01, Josh Ropp '01, Bryan Rothfuss '00, Karen Snyder '02, Nathan Snyder '02, Adam Staub '01, Kristina Torres '02, Nathan Troup '02, Jason L. Wilson '00, Jason Wolfe '99, Jesse Wright-FitzGerald '02, Amanda Zentz '00.

Opposing LGBT Recognition

To the Editor,

I applaud John Topper, Class of '65, for taking a stand and being a voice against the official recognition the S.U. Alumni Association granted to the L.G.B.T. or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender S.U. Alumni Association.

I join John Topper in requesting that you discontinue any mailings or phone calls to my residence.

I hope and pray other alumni follow suit, especially in discontinuing any monetary donations.

Kathleen L. Martin, Class of 1985