Board member's support of Proposition 8 impacts campus

The passage of Proposition 8 in California, a ballot measure that stripped existing marriage rights from same-sex couples, was a painful and troubling moment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and allied people. For the fair minded and progressive members of the Rice community, this devastating measure signifies the reality that they, their families and their friends must continue to wait to be granted the same rights we are all guaranteed as citizens of America. Proposition 8 devalues the relationships and demeans the love of the gay and lesbian students in our classrooms who are forced to question when their partnerships will be given equal value to those of the students in the desks next to them. Straight allies are left with a sinking disappointment as they wait and wonder when they will see their friends or family members receive the benefits they themselves are freely given without question.