Students, possible RSO condemn Pride Week celebration
Some students are taking offense to CMU’s annual Pride Week.
The week-long event, which ended Wednesday, is meant to educate those outside the gay, lesbian, homosexual and transgender (GLBT) communities.
Midland freshman Dennis Lennox II and fellow students from Central Students for Change say they are highly offended that CMU, a taxpayer-funded university, promotes a gay lifestyle.
“In addition to finding it religiously offensive, it is absurd in tough budgetary times with 30 percent cuts in the last few years,” said Lennox, who’s leading the organization. “(Supporting gay Pride Week) is just as absurd as supporting heterosexual pride week.”
Central Students for Change is a new Christian conservative student group currently in the process of becoming a Registered Student Organization.
Lennox said he asked the Office of Gay and Lesbian Programs how much money they received for Pride Week’s events.
Although Lennox has been known for his involvement with College Republicans, his objections are not affiliated with the organization, said Leslie Little, Williamston junior and College Republican chairwoman.
“The College Republicans have no part of Dennis Lennox’s heterosexual pride,” she said. “He’s a member, but in no way reflects our beliefs and opinions.”
In other news, Central Students for Change is co-sponsoring U.S. Senate candidate Jerry Zandstra’s visit to campus at 4 p.m. today in Anspach 165.
Students for Life and College Republicans also are co-sponsoring the event.
Lennox said he expects Zandstra to speak about supporting Pride Week or traditional values.
“He finds it just as disgusting as we do,” he said.
Zandstra said he plans to discuss the shape of Michigan’s economy.
“There are two main categories to touch on – social and economic goals,” he said. “Economically speaking, I will talk about the state of Michigan’s economy, the challenges to recover and progress, the current unemployment rate and job creation.”
Zandstra worked on international policy and the efficiency of economies - most notably in Kenya, where he served as an adviser and helped the country form its constitution.
Lennox is bringing Zandstra to campus to help students become aware of pressing concerns in Michigan.
“There are critical issues facing the state of Michigan such as affirmative action, the economy and education,” he said. “Students need to be informed of these issues and Jerry Zandstra is an expert in public policy. He is a good source to learn from.”
Lennox said he is hoping for a high turnout.
“We have invited over 200 people, including students and faculty, but of course anybody is welcome to come,” he said.
