Governor criticizes anti-discrimination policy!
Missouri Governor Matt Blunt has ignited a controversy by criticizing the Missouri State University for its anti-discrimination policy. Terming it as “unnecessary”, and “disappointing”, the state Governor said the policy of including “sexual orientation” in the school’s anti-discrimination policy was actually a “bad” decision based on “political correctness”.
Yes, this is the state of the nation today where even the highest of political representatives are vocally advocating homophobia. Responding to such a disturbing reaction of the governor, the state university president Dr Michael Nietzel has in fact gone defensive. He said the policy was just a clarification of an criterion, not an addition on its own. He even has said he appreciates the governor’s support throughout for the latter’s contribution to public higher education.
The classic dilemma in this situation is quite apparent, with on the one hand, the academia makes a progress on a desirable direction, and on the other, the direction’s facilitation largely lies with the conservative politicians who finally release the grants. No wonder, with inclusion of this anti-discrimination policy, MSU may face the funding music sometimes soon. Because for now, the board of governors who passed the resolution are yet to get over the Governor’s tunes, which rang thus:
“I do not believe today's vote was necessary and am disappointed with those who pressed for it while more pressing matters command the administration and the board's full attention. Today's decision bows to the forces of political correctness. It was unnecessary and bad."From the desk of Womensrightsblog, MSU gets kudos for displaying courage of conviction. For the records, the current policy of the university is the following:
"Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict nondiscrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, or veteran status in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. In addition, the University does not discriminate on any basis not related to the applicable educational requirements for students or the applicable job requirements for employees."But now, after revision, the last sentence would now read:
“In addition, the University does not discriminate on any basis (including, but not limited to, political affiliation and sexual orientation) not related to the applicable educational requirements for students or the applicable job requirements for employees.”
Sexual Orientation and Political Beliefs! More power to the university for acknowledging the attacks on gays and peaceniks. That’s looking beyond the Ivory Tower. When will the politicians emerge decent enough to look beyond the White House?
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