Big rift develops over gay event at UCCS

Citing his "personal beliefs, views and convictions," the president of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs student body refused to sign a request to fund today's annual campus observance of National Coming Out Day.

The decision by David Williams outraged supporters of Spectrum, a student-run gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender group, and put a crimp in their plans to commemorate the occasion.

"As a gay student, I am quite honestly shocked," said UCCS junior Caleb Rainey.

On Sept. 26, the student Senate approved Spectrum's budget application for $2,100, along with funding proposals from the Hockey Club and the UCCS Society of Automotive Engineers.

But Williams would not sign the final approval on the Spectrum request. He did not veto it, however, so the request automatically passed after five days, in accordance with UCCS' student government constitution.

Nevertheless, said Spectrum co-chairman Crystal Duckhorn, the delay hindered the club's ability to order supplies in time for today's event, and the decision gives the impression that the campus is not tolerant of diversity.

And, with less time, club members could not create as many signs and posters advertising this year's observance, she said.

Moreover, Williams' actions don't adhere to "viewpoint neutrality," said Duckhorn, a first-year graduate student.

"Members of student government have to exercise viewpoint neutrality because the student fees they allocate are from all students, including lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders. Proposals that meet the qualifications and guidelines should be accepted," she said.

In a series of e-mails sent to the student Senate and obtained by The Gazette, Williams said his reason for not signing off on the Spectrum proposal is based on his personal beliefs.

"I do not believe in the message and agenda that this club advocates for," he wrote. "I do not believe this event is beneficial to our campus ... and I believe our student fees could be put to better use. ... I am by no means a bigot or discriminatory toward anyone. I have, for my entire life, been guided by a moral compass that disagrees with the lifestyle and message preached by Spectrum."

Duckhorn said Spectrum's mission is to promote inclusiveness.

"Williams, a junior who took office June 1, said Wednesday that he never meant to hurt anyone's feelings by not signing the funding request.

"I was always taught you don't sign something if you have problems with it, and for this funding proposal I had enough issues and enough problems with it that I could not sign it," he said.

Several clubs wrote a letter to the editor in the campus newspaper objecting to his actions. In a third e-mail, Williams responded that he is a biracial student and the issue with Spectrum is not about "racial/ethnic prejudice or discrimination" but about "an ideology and lifestyle disagreement."

The situation has become volatile, Williams said Wednesday.

"My intentions were to be transparent and honest, and this hasn't been pleasant for me.

I've received mean-spirited e-mails, and it could be argued that I'm being persecuted for my beliefs."

Robert Wonnett, vice chancellor for Student Success at UCCS, said university administrators will not interfere with the process, because the student government is responsible for the allocation of money from student fees to clubs and organizations.

"The university has encouraged students to discuss their differing viewpoints and will insist that student government follow its own rules and regulations to ensure that all students are treated fairly," he said.

Duckhorn said Spectrum members are considering whether to file a formal complaint of discrimination, or take steps to ensure student government representatives do not allow personal views to influence their decision making. The group will discuss options at a meeting Friday.

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Contact the writer: 636-0235 or debbie.kelley@gazette.com