As a whole-hearted supporter of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual rights, I was appalled and deeply disappointed to find descriptive artwork and phrases, such as "Dykes do it better," scrawled on the hidden chalkboards in Morton 237 during class Wednesday. Although I am sure they were meant to be funny and shocking, I found them distasteful and unnecessary.

While others were laughing, nudging their neighbors and telling jokes, all I could do was hang my head. Is this what I support when I support freedoms of sexual choice and same-sex marriages?

How can homosexuals expect respect from those who do discriminate against them when they pull stunts like this?

If heterosexuals had drawn what was depicted on the board, it would have been viewed as demeaning. And if heterosexual "artwork" would have been there instead, it would have been just as unnecessary and vulgar.

Only when all people take pride in themselves can we begin to build a community. Take pride in who you are, but I can't take pride in this action. I hope others, both homosexuals and heterosexual supporters, don't either. I will march with you, I will stand with you, I will proudly embrace you, but I will not condone this.

Don't waste your talents on middle school tactics; instead, continue to fight to make a real difference in an unfair world.

Margaret Crandall
mc439996@oak.cats.ohiou.edu

Appalled by remark Editor,

I am a current Student Senator; however, I am not running for a position on senate next year. Also, these comments are from my heart and should not be read as endorsing of any party.

I watched the Senate debates on TV. I was appalled at a comment made by presidential candidate Darien Moss. While discussing the effectiveness of Student Senate, Moss made the comment that the REAL party would focus on making sure things got done that affect students' daily lives. Then, she went on to say anonymous HIV testing did NOT affect students daily. I just wonder if she has ever had a friend who had the virus.

When 90 percent of college students who are positive aren't even aware of that fact, it affects people. Proper testing helps. It is an effective way to educate and monitor the spread of the virus. I can't believe someone who is running for the presidency of Student Senate would be so ignorant to the fact the HIV is a campuswide problem. I have to question the motives of the REAL party. Clearly, they are not looking out for the entire campus if they don't realize that HIV is a problem.

Dale Edwards, LGBT Commissioner
de315496@oak.cats.ohiou.edu