Out in the Mountains

Notes from the Editor

To the Editor:

A copy of this letter from members of
the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Alliance
was sent to UVM President Lattie Coor,
Deanof Students Keith Miser, as wellas
student leaders within the fraternity and
sorority system.

We find ourselves with the unfortu-
nate obligation of informing you of an
incident that occurred on April 12, 1988
concerning Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity
located at 371 Main Street.

As part of a UVM Gay, Lesbian, and
Bisexual Alliance outreach project carried
out in conjunction with the University of
Vermont College of Education and Social
Services through Professor James Bar-
bour, we were scheduled to appear at 7:00
p.m. as guests at an ECHD 65 discussion
group, to be held at Sigma Phi Epsilon
fraternity to discuss the issue of homosexu-
ality. At 6:45 p.m. in the driveway of
SigmaPhi Epsilon, we saw aparked car on
which was spray-painted the phrase “KILL
QUEERS”, in addition to the Greek letters
of the chapter.

In light of the fact taht it was know in
advance that we had been invited to come
to address the group at Sigma Phi Epsilon,
we felt it was an irresponsible and possibly
hostile action on the part of the brothers

‘A Lobbyist Reports

Patti York, an OITM reader from St.
Johnsbury, recently wrote an editorial in
support of S .278 to the extremely conserva-
tive family owned Caledonian Record. She
was the first gay person to come out, politi-
cally (or for any reason) in the history of the
paper.

In her editorial she wrote, “if we are
truly a nation that respects the rights of
every person, then passing this bill means
the fulfillment of the most basic constitu-
tional principles that our country was built
on. Yes, a fulfillment of our existing laws,

 

to allow the vehicle to remain in the Sigma
Phi Epsilon parking lot, and we felt that our
safety mightbe in jeopardy, For the time
being, we have postponed our appear-
ance.
This is a deeply felt affront, not only
to the gay community but to the University
community and the city of Burlington as
well. Such a display of violent sentiments
is intolerable, especially following the
recent episode at Lambda Iota fraternity,
in which the same message was displayed
on their house vehicle. We would strongly
encourage you to recognize this as a devel-
oping trend which deserves an immediate
and strong response on the part of the
Inter-Fratemity and Panhellenic Councils,
as well as the University.

We understand that the Greek system
functions independently of the University.
However, since the University has hired
aCoordinator of Greek Affairs to maintain
close ties with the system, we are sure that
you will want to take action to enforce the
non-discrimination clause which the Uni-
versity adopted. You have shown concern
in the past for the rights of gays and
lesbians at UVM. We hope that you will
recognize the gravity of this situation and
follow through on your tradition for the
civil rights of homosexuals.

S.C. and J.W.

Time/Newsweek Boycott

The Media Watch and Boycott Ac-
tion groups of CRY OUT! are sponsoring
a boycott of Time and Newsweek. “Your
gloves don’t match your shoes” was
Newsweek’s total coverage of the National
March on Washington. Time did not cover
it at all.

Silence = Death. Something we
know to be true, even in America. When
600,000 people gather to do anything, it is
news! When 600 people choose to
arrested, it is also news! ~

Our response to Time and Newsweek
must not be silence. We urge you to join us
in a boycott of these magazines.

For more info, contact: CRY OUT!,

S-278 Status Report

As of this printing of OITM, Senate
Bill 278 was still sitting in the House Judi-
ciary Committee waiting for action. The
expected adjournment of this legislative
session will probably be in the first part of
May. So keep your eyes and ears tuned to
the mainstream media!

0.l.T.M.,
You’re Looking
Better Than Ever!

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