Solidarity Statement for SPECTRUMS and LGBTQ Community

February 2, 2012

To the members of SPECTRUMS and the rest of the LGBTQ community at Montclair State University:

MSU Students for a Democratic Society fully condemns the hate speech committed against the LGBTQ community. It is thoughts and words like those found in the student center that perpetuate oppression in the world and prove that equality is far from achieved for the LGBTQ community.

However, unlike the university administration, we are careful not to condemn just the individual that committed such hateful crimes, but more importantly, the society that produces individuals capable of having such thoughts and ideas in their minds.

We therefore issue the following statement of solidarity:

Until our society teaches everyone to be tolerant and accepting,

Until our society changes our heterosexist and homophobic culture and institutions,

Until the LGBTQ community has equal rights and has received justice for ALL crimes committed against members of their community,

Until all beings are treated with love and respect by the institutions that today remain cold and preoccupied with their reputation,

And until these institutions are concerned about the lives and safety of all the communities that make up its foundations,

We vow to stand strong with our comrades in the LGBTQ community.

            In Solidarity and Struggle,

            MSU Students for a Democratic Society