Oregon State University’s Pride Center recently found itself mired in controversy after a Facebook post about “the particular type of American patriotism” displayed by student veterans.
The educational watchdog Campus Reform reported Monday on an “open letter” by the center regarding OSU’s Veteran Student Association (VSA). Its authors opposed sharing a campus lounge with student veterans due to the “practical consequences” for the “vulnerable” LGBT community.
“We aim to resist the pain that U.S. militarism has caused our siblings in struggle, and we denounce the glorification of the system that is responsible for this violence,” Pride Center’s now-deleted letter said, Campus Reform reported. “[This decision] jeopardizes the well being of many vulnerable students, including those [who are] a part of the LGBTQ+ community.”
A clarification by the center attributed the original letter, a violation of its communication policy, to “individual students.”
“While Pride Center and SOL student staff have the right to make statements as individuals on issues that are important to them, the posting of this open letter violated our communication policy,” the statement read. “We recognize the statement has been a source of pain for many individuals. We welcome and support our veterans. And we share with you that the Pride Center assistant director is working with the Military and Veteran Resources advis[e]r to create healing spaces for those who are hurting.”
SOL bills itself as a network focusing on “Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC) while providing support through educational programming, student advocacy, and ally building.”
Oregon State University did not respond to Campus Reform’s request for comment before publication.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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