Anne Nugent
Department of Anthropology
I support Garrett's position wholeheartedly, and questioning colleagues finds most in agreement. However, a prevalent attitude today is that only certain groups have a "right" to express their opinions. Anyone in opposition to these views is automatically branded as hateful, bigoted, self-righteous, homophobic, etc. Opinions now come with titles. Fortunately, the right of expression also applies to Christians, free speech being a "true right." (What many conveniently forget is that their right to free speech and religion is guaranteed solely to living in a country that was founded on fundamental Christian principles.) Additionally, many confuse rights with privileges. This is not a country of unlimited rights. Society demands personal limitations.
In defense of Mr. Garrett's "offensive words" regarding homosexual behavior, they are not his own but quoted directly from Scripture. The question that begs an answer is: Is Scripture the word of God or not? Apparently, the founders of Emory, and most great educational institutions and hospitals in the world, thought so. Makes you wonder how such a lofty establishment as Emory could have sprung forth from such faulty foundations.
The idea of multiple "standards of truth" is simply laughable. I would love to see the response of the purveyors of this nonsense when their Delta captain tells them he is about to invent a new aerodynamic law on their flight at 35,000 feet, or when their surgeon tells them that he doesn't "believe" a sterile field is necessary for their bypass surgery, or when a judge gives them 40 years for a parking ticket. Hey, it's all relative, no? Their truth is as good as yours.
Finally, are domestic partner benefits discriminatory? Yes. As a single in a committed relationship, why shouldn't my "partner" be allowed to partake of my benefits? Only one reason I can see...he's a guy and I'm not.
Mary Jane Kelley
Department of Psychiatry
It is not that Oxford is omitted intentionally, I know. It is just easy to overlook a campus 35 miles away. That is why I feel like all of us must ask the question, every time we speak of the University, "What about Oxford?" Sometimes this will lead you in a new direction and sometimes it won't, but please do not forget to ask.
David Rowe
Development Office,
Oxford College