LGBT Minutes

Minutes
LGBT Concerns Committee
Jewish Studies Conference Room, Walker Hall
March 20, 2003, 2:00 - 3:30

Members Present: Alex Alonso, Kitty Fallon, Scott Feldman, Carlos Hermandez, Linda Lamme, Mike Malecki, Jeanna Mastrodicasa, Michael Roedel, Ken Wald, Amanda Wolfe
Guests: Gail Baker, David Landfair,Yuri Latorre, Jr.,

Campus Climate Survey
Gail Baker met with our group to discuss the Campus Climate Survey Report. She explained that there were two different groups conducting two different surveys at the same time. The one she chaired analyzed the climate for persons of minority race and ethnicity. The survey chaired by Dr. Hart was conducted by the Florida Survey Research Center and included LGBT issues. That survey resulted in a huge mass of data that have not yet been analyzed. Dr. Baker suggested, and after discussion we agreed, that she will release the Campus Climate Study, Part I: Race and Ethnicity. Dr. Baker will propose to President Young that she chair a separate committee to analyze the data on LGBT people and will issue a Campus Climate Study, Part II: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity by early fall semester. We asked Dr. Baker to consult with Linda about persons who might be knowledgeable to serve on this committee. Later in the meeting Jeanna, Scott, Mike, David, Amanda, and Yuri expressed a desire to be on the committee. Alex suggested that his replacement should serve. Ken suggested that Drs. Button or Rienzo should serve. Charles Brown might be a good source for faculty involvement.

Reports from Campus Groups
Gator Gay Straight Alliance - Mike and Scott
… Greek Leadership Training occurred last week and was a bigger success than last week. This project where fraternity leaders and leaders in LGBT talk to help reduce stereotypes and prejudices is highly informative for both groups.
… The High School Project that assists high schools in creating support groups and making schools more welcoming for LGBT young people, has begun with one class at Gainesville High School.
… GSA is participating in the HRCNCF Safe School Initiative.
… GSA is sponsoring a religious forum where professors knowledgeable about different religions discuss how LGBT people fit into the religious community.
LGBT (Pride) Student Union - Michael
… Pride Awareness Week will be April 8 - 13 with a Talent Show and an Award Ceremony for Straight Ally of the Year and LGBT service for the year. They are planning a gay dance/prom.
Student Senate - Alex
… Alex will distribute by e-mail or paper at our next meeting the rule change that will go into effect giving student domestic partners health benefits in July.
Rainbow Alliance - Charles
… Nor formal report but Charles is working on an Alumni Newsletter and on ways to establish a UF Foundation Account to support the LGBT Award and eventually obtain an LGBT Resource Center with a faculty Director.
Committee on Sexism and Homophobia - No report

Old Business
Award Committee
The deadline for submissions has passed and the committee hopes to make their decisions within the next week.
The plan is for an awards ceremony to honor last year's winners and this year's winners.
Kim reports that last year's winner of the research award has had his paper accepted for publication in a highly respected journal!

Domestic Partner Benefits
No news. The committee asked Linda to E-mail the President to see what is going on with regard to the committee he said he would appoint to work on this plan and to confirm that he received her e-mail recommending committee members.

Non-Discrimination Clause
No new information

Procedures for Reporting Harassment
No new information

Next Meeting
Wednesday, April 10. 2:00 - 3:30 Jewish Studies Conference Room in Walker Hall
We will hold summer meetings as needed in response to the Campus Climate Committee work.
Groups are reminded that we need an end of the year report in writing from each related group for the next meeting. Both paper and electronic forms are helpful so that Linda can write an end of the year report to the Provost.