By Brooke Coupal ‘16
Editor-in-Chief
The Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) organization has reemerged on campus with new optimistic leadership.
Over the past school year, the GSA has seen major turn over with the new e-board being put into place. This e-board includes President Sarah Schott, Vice President Megan DesAutels, Secretary Jennifer Vallinaggi, and Treasurer Sabrina Hartnett. Together this e-board is working towards many goals to allow the organization to flourish in the next year or two.
“There is a different attitude with the new e-board… it is a lot more optimistic, goal-driven, and focused on how we can make positive change on campus,” said Jacob Turner, advisor to GSA.
As new leadership takes over GSA, the goals for the organization have grown. The current e-board plans on rebuilding this older organization, and enhancing it into something more powerful. Their main goal is to create exposure on the different spectrums of sexuality. They have started to inform people of the different sexualities through PowerPoints presented at their bi-weekly meetings. They also hope to create a bigger presence on campus, and are starting to do this by having a radio show on WMCK. The progression of GSA is going to take place over the next few years as led by the new leadership.
“Our mission is to provide an equal, safe space for all students/ faculty on the campus, no matter where they fall on the spectrum,” according to Schott.
Two major events that are being put on by GSA during the remainder of the semester. The first is Flags of Love, happening Mar. 7 to Mar. 11. Members of GSA will be tabling on Main Street for students and faculty to write a positive message on colored card stock to be displayed in the windows of the McQuade Library facing the Sakowich Center. The second major event is Day of Silence, occurring on Apr. 8. Members will table again on Main Street a week prior to this event. On the day of the event, anyone who wants to attend can stand outside of Cascia Hall in silence to celebrate the strength of all communities and bring awareness to bullying of these communities. This will last for an hour, but people are welcome to dedicate as much time as they can to stand outside. Students will also be able to participate in being silent for the whole day, which can be symbolized by a sticker stating why they are choosing to be silent.
GSA meetings take place bi-weekly on Wednesdays at 6pm in Meeting Room B. The next meeting will take place on Mar. 9.
Any students or faculty members are welcome to attend GSA meetings and events. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, from heterosexuality to homosexuality and everything in between, everyone is welcome.
