Letter to the Editor

In response to the piece, “Loud and Way too Proud”, I would like to start off by saying we have not been loud or proud enough when supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. As a Senator for the class of 2021, I would like to apologize that we have not cultivated a community strong enough to know that the type of language used in that op-ed is unacceptable. The John Carroll Student Government will no longer tolerate any hateful speech toward any community, especially from members within our team. We will be creating a Code of Conduct that will hold every member of Student Government accountable going forward.

As leaders on campus we have an expectation to uphold a standard that we would like to see reflected within the student body. This article is something that cannot be excused nor is a depiction of what our community should be supporting. The damage done to the LGBTQIA+ community cannot be healed by just an apology. We will work to mend what has been done to these people by any means necessary. In a time when the acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community has made so much progress, we need to be aiding that progression, rather than resorting back to hateful ideology.

Despite how your opinion or religion may influence how you perceive members of the LGBTQIA+ community, there is one principle that must prevail: we are all humans that deserve to be loved. This includes the right to a happy –safe life on campus. As members of the John Carroll community, student and facility, we know our mission is to be people “for and with others”, if we are not constantly true to this philosophy, we are failing one another. No human deserves to feel that they are less than deserving of place in their own community’s hearts. If there has ever been a time to unite as a student body to help a community in need, the time is now. This is not the first time this has happened, but it will be the last time without immediate action.  If this type of behavior is seen or heard on campus, I encourage you to not be comfortable remaining voiceless. Furthermore, my deepest apologies extend to anyone that was hurt or now feels unsafe in their own home by the published piece. I stand with the LQBTQIA+ community as an ally and encourage the rest of the John Carroll community to do the same. I will leave you a verse from Corinthians 13: 6-8 “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails”.

– Kaley Capron, Class of 2021