A Manifesto-It's Time to Move On

"I have made a decision. I will no longer debate the issue of homosexuality in the church with anyone!" These are the words of Bishop John Shelby Spong and reflect the sentiment of many who have engaged those in our faith community around the issue of God's children who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or any variation beyond heterosexual. His words and the manifesto it represents resonates deep in my Christian spirit. I'm tired too! Read his words posted through our good friends at "Walking with Integrity." Let's discuss

http://walkingwithintegrity.blogspot.com/2009/10/manifesto-from-our-friend-bishop-john.html?spref=fb

Inclusive Policies Make Sense, Part I

Inclusive policies for any institution or organization makes both business sense and supports a sense of fairness and value. President Judy Genshaft of the University of South Florida recently announced during her "state of the university" speech, that USF plans to start offering full domestic partner benefits to its heterosexual, gay and lesbian employees at the university. She noted in her speech, "We believe it's the right thing to do, and we'll work to make it happen this year." The University of South Florida now joins the University of Florida in ensuring fairness to all of their employees as inclusion becomes something to see and experience rather than a concept that is often viewed in the abstract of a stated goal.

My hope is that the University of Central Florida with a goal of becoming more inclusive and diverse begins these steps to inclusion by examining the policies that remain both archaic and contrary to sound business acumen as well as out of step to a city-state concept inconsistent with are business and community partners.

The attached editorial reminds us once more, how critical the efforts of creating an institution that is just, right and fair become in student success, which includes the attraction and retention of the critical faculty and staff talent worthy of being the third largest educational institution in this country.

http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/good-social-policy-good-business/1035521