10/27/2009
Michigan College Bars Dustin Lance Black from Forum on Sexuality
Hope College in Holland, Michigan has barred Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black from speaking at a forum on sexuality, according to the school paper, The Anchor:
"Hope College’s Sexuality Roundtable’s request to host Hollywood screenwriter Dustin Lance Black as a speaker on campus has been denied by the college administration. According to the Sexuality Roundtable, Hope cited two reasons for its decision: 'Black’s advocacy would be too strong for campus,' and 'Black would ‘polarize’ the campus.'"
And while Black has been barred from the Sexuality Roundtable, he has been invited to speak at a screenwriting class. Said Dean of Students Richard Frost: "'They have a class that deals with screenwriting, and so there’s a natural tie in what he would talk about in terms of the process. That would be an appropriate thing to talk about. For example, if there’s a political science class about elections, or politics, or how you do grassroots movement, how you do political organizing, how you do political campaigns, (that) would be a great thing for him to talk about because (‘Milk’) has parts of those things in it.”
Read a PDF of the college paper here.
Added Frost to the Holland Sentinel: "We are willing to do these things, but for the college to do this, we have to be sure it’s educational. It’s back-and-forth and educational. It’s not advocacy.”
In related news, Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan has decided not to withdraw a controversial memo instructing professors not to "advocate for homosexual issues and same-sex marriage."
The Grand Rapids Press reports: "In a letter issued to the college's faculty Monday, board of trustees chairman Bastian Knoppers said they did not change a policy banning the advocacy of homosexual practices and same-sex marriage. But trustees said they understand many faculty members thought they did and deeply regret 'confusion and distress that has resulted,' he said...The Faculty Senate voted earlier this month to ask the board to withdraw the memo, saying it stifles academic freedoms that encourage open discussion of social issues between students and professors. Professors still are digesting Knoppers letter but are pleased the issue will continue to be discussed, Faculty Senate Vice Chair Karin Maag said this morning."
Posted 10:13 AM EST by Andy Towle in Education, Lance Black, Michigan | Permalink
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The Far Right Wing shut down of freedom continues ---- if you are against Straight Supremacy you are an advocate and unwelcome.
Posted by: RJP3 | Oct 27, 2009 10:41:46 AM
The only reason I would say not to have him speak is because he doesn't practice safe sex and shouldn't be a role model to anyone in terms of sexuality.
Posted by: Sam | Oct 27, 2009 10:56:42 AM
Sam: Maybe the topic is how much better barebacking is?
Posted by: Mike | Oct 27, 2009 11:43:45 AM
He can come talk at my roundtable any time. And then fuck me on it.
Posted by: bunker | Oct 27, 2009 12:04:13 PM
I would assume he would refuse to attend in any event. Why go somewhere to be censored?
And jeez, I'd really hoped we'd had the last debate about the guy's sex life, given that I assume none of you are friends with him or know his personal life. I barebacked with my ex for 17 years. But guess what? We were both the first and only people we ever had sex with. Yet if he posted pictures of us online, I guess I'd be a horrible role model? I'm negative, by the way.
Speaking of which, you know nothing of Dustin Lance Black or his partner's HIV status; if both are positive and informed about their decisions, that's really none of your damn business.
Posted by: Paul R | Oct 27, 2009 12:07:52 PM
He is definitely NOT a role model
Posted by: NewEng | Oct 27, 2009 12:09:10 PM
Not making me proud to be from Grand Rapids today. FAIL.
Posted by: Aaron | Oct 27, 2009 12:34:35 PM
Don't care about DLB's sex practices. Those of you who do, I suggest you get another hobby.
As for this college, what a joke. I always giggle when I see these regional upper high schools call themselves colleges.
Posted by: Willig | Oct 27, 2009 12:59:41 PM
Embarrassed to be a graduate of Hope, which for the most part is a fine school saddled with a stuck-in-the-60's administration. The homophobic nature is nothing new; still had hoped that some saner heads would be able to prevail there regarding this type of issue. I guess not...
Posted by: John | Oct 27, 2009 3:15:22 PM
His tiny hands are what bother me the most about this story.
Posted by: Ral | Oct 27, 2009 4:07:08 PM
His tiny hands are what bother me the most about this story.
Posted by: Ral | Oct 27, 2009 4:09:00 PM
I agree with the school I don't think Dustin Lance Black is a proper choice or an advocate for Sexuality. Screenwriting maybe. Sorry, I'm sure he's a great guy, I just don't want him speaking for positive same sex relationships. There are better role models out there who are in long term committed same sex relationships, but not this guy.
Posted by: Tyler | Oct 27, 2009 7:52:49 PM
Ashamed to be a Calvin College grad :(
The thing is, the Board is beholden to the Christian Reformed Church, and is inclined to enforce policies of the church on the school. I guess they have every right to make that decision... just as everyone else has every right to deride the school and not attend it. The school is in a financial hellhole and I'm sure with today's youth, this isn't going to help.
Posted by: Mike | Oct 28, 2009 6:33:58 PM