Endowment Guide

Letter to the Editor

Date 2/20/1997 12:00 AM | Topic: Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor-

I would like to write this letter on behalf of all of the dedicated people who have fought to make sure that President Baker's decision to discriminate on the basis of a candidate's sexuality does not go unexamined. For those of you who attended the student forum, you know that President Baker does not think his decision was an act of discrimination, and he would make the same decision again. However, I cannot see how denying this candidate an interview because she is a lesbian is not discrimination. I understand Baker's point that this woman had no chance of being hired after the break in confidentiality caused by this issue being brought to the attention of Luther students, but my point is that she never even had the chance for an interview before we knew about it! It was discrimination, and even though President Baker thought he was making a good decision to protect Luther from a divisive issue, I think he underestimated Luther's inclusive environment.

Where does Luther stand? Is our religion department "special"? Even if the religion department is more closely tied to the ELCA and Lutheran beliefs than other academic departments at Luther, how does a professor's sexuality challenge that in any way? The ELCA welcomes homosexuals into its community of faith, including ordination. Luther welcomes all students, regardless of race, handicap, age, sex, or SEXUAL ORIENTATION. Why should we alter that invitation for professors?

I would like this letter to begin a dialogue between students with different viewpoints. Please help me to understand how President Baker's decision was a good one, because I cannot even come close to understanding at this point. I would like to emphasize that I challenge President Baker's decision, not President Baker himself. I will put all of my energy into making sure this does not happen again, and I invite those of you who are dedicated to equality to do the same.

-Cathy Novisky ('98)

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