Valuing Diversity

On September 28, 2010 staff columnist Emily Kelly published an editorial titled “Weighing both sides of gay marriage.” The unformed arguments and derogatory rhetoric contained within this article should be challenged as they help to create an N.C. State campus climate that is not inclusive nor values individual human worth.

The contributing writer wrote without much regard for a basic standard within journalism – fact checking. In the article it was cited that recent judicial action in California “…held to the Conservative side of the argument.” In actually, the Honorable Vaughn R. Walker ruled in Perry v. Schwarzenegger that “Proposition 8” was unconstitutional under both the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the United States Constitution.

Chancellor Woodson utilized a statement in July to articulate that, “Here at the people’s university, we welcome all people regardless of ethnicity, race, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, religion or disability.” I am proud to have integral leaders, such as Chancellor Woodson, who are committed to challenging promoting social justice and challenging privilege in all its forms and encourage my peers to do the same.

Matt Woodward

junior, applied sociology