The Oct. 10 meeting of the President’s Commission on LGBT Concerns opened with the approval of wording changes to the commission’s bylaws. All of the proposed changes discussed at the commission’s September meeting were accepted.

Faculty representative Luis Cosme, a lecturer in Spanish, briefed the commission on his meeting with University Secretary Gary Hauk and Michelle Smith, executive director of corporate relations, concerning Emory’s United Way campaign.

LGBT wanted to express concern about the United Way’s support of the Boy Scouts, which has policies some LGBT members do not agree with. Cosme’s questions to Smith centered on whether donations to the United Way could be targeted to specific groups; and the United Way does provide an option to designate gifts for specific charities (see “Letter to the editor").

Mark Jordan, Candler Professor of Religion, discussed the idea of “queer studies” becoming a concentration in the college. That process, however, is a long road. In a related issue, the topic of the LGBT collection in the library was reintroduced.

The commission then discussed an article that appeared in the Oct. 3 issue of The Emory Wheel, which outlined a proposal that would increase Methodist membership in the Board of Trustees to 60 percent (see related story, page 7) and any possible effects that could have on the commission.

News from the committee reports included a reminder of Emory’s and the commission’s recognition of National Coming Out Day, which took place Oct. 11; the United First Metropolitan Community Church’s application for recognition as a religious group on campus; and the University Senate’s request for a representative member from LGBT. That person has yet to be chosen.

Nominations for chair-elect, as well as selection of another student member, were tabled for discussion at the November meeting, which is scheduled for Nov. 14 in 400 Administration Building.

If you have a question or concern for LGBT, send e-mail to Chair Jennifer Gossett at jgosset@emory.edu.