Last week, the Gender Sexuality and Resource Center at Gettysburg College was excited to host an expressive painting and writing event for individuals on campus who were “tired of white, cis men.” The group’s website claims, “We strive to establish a culture of support on campus, for every person to feel safe and empowered to be their authentic selves.” Clearly, that mission statement does not apply to straight white males attending Gettysburg College.
“[I am] not surprised at all that a poster like this is spread through the college, considering there was a public drag show in the middle of campus three or four weeks prior to this.”
“Normally, rhetoric on posters of this nature tends to be more inclusive and welcoming to the target student groups. But this rhetoric is simply divisive.”
“The faculty on campus always preaches unity among students on campus but never actually do anything to enact this unity.”
Anonymous — current senior at Gettysburg College, Fox News Digital
The discriminatory flyer was posted on a popular Instagram page (the post has since been deleted) where it received significant backlash from users and students at the college alike. Once the group hosting the event felt it had taken enough criticism, they decided to cancel their event — which is truly for the best.
College should be a place of learning and exploration for all students to share vast perspectives and life experiences. People should not be singled out on the basis of their gender or race. In fact, such an event is certainly a violation of Title IX.
Title IX is a 1972 federal law that prohibits sex discrimination at educational institutions that receive federal funding. Gettysburg, although private received $1,656,033 from the Federal Government through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Therefore Title IX applies.
Parents, teachers, graduates and donors should contact both the Gender Sexuality and Resource Center as well as the Donor Relations office to express their displeasure with this event and others like it. Turning a blind eye will only encourage this sort of behavior from organizations on college campuses around the country, and this blatant racism towards specific students is entirely uncalled for and unnecessary for the “college experience.”
If you would like to express your disappointment in the clear bias present in this “educational” institution, the appropriate contact information is listed below:
Gender Sexuality and Resource Center: gsrc@gettysburg.edu, (717) 337-6991
Alumni Office: alumni@gettysburg.edu, (717)-337-6518
