Cultural and Social Acceptance

            The other night, I was sitting on my couch watching national news when a headline about Texas A&M University came up. This headline described some of the buzz I have been hearing on campus about a bill that was passed by Texas A&M’s student senate this week. The bill which is known as the “Religious Funding Exception Bill” gives students which was originally drafted to allow university students to opt-out of the university fee that funds the GLBT resource center. This has caused a huge outcry from students and many human rights groups across the nation.

            Regardless of who you are, how you feel about particular group, or what religious group you conform to this bill raises a few questions not only about the idea of cultural norms on campus, but sensitivity to minority organizations on campus. 

Firstly, the fact that these senators would single out a specific group based on “religious beliefs” can be very detrimental to the university.  This principle in itself can be used in any regard. If a person claims their religion does not support people of color then would the university allow them to cut funding for African American groups on campus?

Secondly, this issue continues to brand the university as a university deeply rooted in discrimination and bigotry. As one of the few minority aggies on campus, it makes me feel as if we aren’t progressing forward.

Although these are true, a large portion of the student body expressed their concerns with this via social media and wrote to the Student Government President Claybrook to veto this bill. Today, President Claybrook sent out a press release stating that he vetoed the bill and hopes that the senate limits this type of controversial legislation in the future. Through these issues comes optimism for the future. Do you believe that this was the right decision by the president? Do you agree with congress voting this bill in? Tell me what you think!