wfn.org | SMU students vote to include sexual orientation in university policy

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

Feb. 26, 1999	Contact: Linda Green*(615)742-5470*Nashville, Tenn.
10-28-71B{111}

By United Methodist News Service

Students at United Methodist-related Southern Methodist University in Dallas
voted Feb. 18 to recommend that sexual orientation be added to the school's
nondiscrimination policy.

Fifty-nine percent  (961) of the 1,631 students casting votes approved the
measure.

The current  nondiscrimination policy states that SMU will not discriminate
"on the basis of race, color, religion, natural origin, sex, age, disability
or veteran status."  

In a statement issued after the vote, university officials said they will
study the language issue to see if including "sexual orientation" to the
policy could put the school at risk for lawsuits or loss of funding.  It is
not known whether a decision would be made the end of the semester in early
May.

In their release, university officials affirm SMU's commitment to
nondiscrimination in its education programs and employment practices. Any
change in the school's current non-discrimination policy "would require
thorough examination and careful consideration by various University
offices," they said. "Whatever the outcome of this review, Southern
Methodist University will continue to adhere firmly to its policies and
procedures that provide both equal protection and equal opportunity , and
foster a campus community that respects the rights and dignity of all
individuals."

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