To the Editor:

Is anyone else getting tired of the Hustler's illogical, reactionary, word-jumble editorials?

By no means will the K.C. Potter Center be "sequestering" the LGBTQI community. Misunderstandings and homophobia do much more to segregate the LGBTQI community from the community at large than weekly meetings on West Side Row. Members of the LGBTQI community will not stop being a part of the Vanderbilt community just because they have somewhere to meet. It is just as silly as saying we should get rid of the Women's Center because it will keep women from interacting with men on campus. (Or that the Hustler could somehow get back in touch with the student body by abandoning its office.)

The center will provide useful resources and much-needed support for LGBTQI students, faculty and staff. We can choose to recognize that society is not one-size-fits-all and provide people with the services they need or we can continue to shun the individual for being or requiring anything not "normal."

Michael Warren is correct in asking for students from all walks of life to come together and learn from each other. Indeed, it is through experience that we overcome our prejudices. However, these experiences are more likely to happen when everyone feels comfortable enough to express himself or herself. The K.C. Potter Center is a big step in empowering the LGBTQI community and is a strong statement of support from the administration.
Nor is the center just for the LGBTQI community.

As a straight student, not only do I feel welcome there, but I intend to visit often with questions of my own. If Warren is truly worried the K.C. Potter Center will "sequester" students, then perhaps he should be proactive and come get to know the LGBTQI community. For the question, "How will the K.C. Potter Center make the student body more tolerant?" is only one small part of the question, "How can we make ourselves more tolerant?" I'll be the first to admit I've not always been the most courageous ally, and I think we can agree Vanderbilt does not have the best track record, either. But Vanderbilt is changing and I, like many of you, hope to change with it. The K.C. Potter Center is an asset to all of us.

Sincerely,
Sean Tierney
Senior, College of Arts and Science