Friday September 22, 2006 SGN.org |
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Volume 34 Issue 38 |
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Thursday, Aug 28, 2008
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Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine to reinstate campus Gay-straight alliance |
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| Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine to reinstate campus Gay-straight alliance | |
| The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association praised the decision of the administration of the Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, a private medical school in Vallejo, CA, to officially reinstate a student group that focused on the needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) persons. The Touro University Gay-Straight Alliance (TUGSA), formed in 2002 with the mission of "promoting equitable health care delivery through awareness and education, and. representing diversity both on campus and in medicine," came under fire last week when Touro's administration, citing the school's Orthodox Jewish heritage, revoked the group's charter and funding. After a press conference organized by Touro students, GLMA, and the American Medical Student Association in Vallejo yesterday, however, Touro administration stated in a letter that the club would not be deactivated. The administration also reiterated its policy of nondiscrimination and apologized for the controversy.
"We are thrilled at this happy turn of events," GLMA's Executive Director, Joel Ginsberg, JD, MBA, stated. "We are very gratified that Touro's administration listened to the concerns of their students. In forming the Gay-straight alliance the students have been trying to live the mission of Touro which states this its 'values involve a commitment to social justice, intellectual pursuit, and service to humanity.' By reinstating TUGSA, Touro's administration shows its commitment to these ideals." As far as GLMA's role, Ginsberg continued, "We at GLMA are very happy to have been able to play a part in bringing together Touro students, the American Medical Student Association, local elected officials, and the media in a way that made a difference and led to this very positive result. In 2004 we were privileged to play a similar role when New York Medical College banned its LGBT student group based on that school's Roman Catholic heritage and eventually reversed their decision. As a direct result of that situation, the American Medical Association updated its policies to state that the AMA 'supports the right of medical students and residents to form groups and meet on-site to further their medical education or enhance patient care-without regard to their gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, ethnic origin, national origin or age.' While the American Osteopathic Association has very strong policies condemning discrimination based on gender, race, and ethnicity, they are silent on issues of gender identity and sexual orientation A GLMA press release |
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International Readers |
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 It's new! and live from Bumbershoot! |
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working for the freedom to
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copyright Seattle Gay News - DigitalTeamWorks 2006