Discrimination Dispute at UCCS - KRDO.com Colorado Springs and Pueblo News, Weather and Sports

By SCOTT HARRISON

COLORADO SPRINGS - We think of college campuses as open and accepting to different ideas and beliefs. However, a gay-lesbian student group at UCCS has complained about discrimination from an unlikely source--student body president David Williams.

At a student legislative council meeting Friday, members sought to condemn Williams--but instead, by a 9-to-7 vote, passed a resolution of non-support for him. Some council members say Williams intentionally delayed a funding request from the club Spectrum last month, because he personally opposes the members' lifestyle. The funding request automatically was granted after a five-day waiting period, but Spectrum supporters have criticized Williams for his action because he made Spectrum wait a few days longer than other groups. They also say he refused to create a "Coming-Out Day" on campus to promote openness and acceptance regarding alternative lifestyles.

"If we do not make a strong statement against discrimination, we're going to be viewed as a close-minded campus," said Daniel Garcia, a council member and gay student. "I'm utterly upset."

Another council member is concerned about how the controversy may appear to the general student body. "A lot thinks that we all agree with (Williams) and that we all have the same actions," sais Jamie Sage. "I don't think that's fair."

Williams says he acted within his authority, and that Spectrum had rejected his efforts to reach an understanding on the matter--which he describes as a political controversy. "Some students have decided to continue on with this fight, which continues to divert resources and attention away from the many important issues that face our student body."

To avoid similar criticism in the future, Williams says he will delay all funding requests from student groups for five days. But that's not enough for his critics, who plan a recall effort against him. Williams promised to appeal any action against him, to the chancellor. NEWSCHANNEL 13 will track what happens and keep you updated.