Utah State Univ. creates faculty ally program for gay students

Utah State University's faculty senate has endorsed establishing a faculty ally program for gay and lesbian students. The proposal was approved Monday, with one faculty delegate objecting and a few abstaining. Elizabeth York, director of music therapy at USU, said 15 faculty members have agreed to be allies to any lesbian and gay students seeking advice on a myriad of topics. "This will allow USU faculty to give visible support to students and staff as we all come to accept ourselves and who we are," York said. In her eight years at USU, York has advised and participated in gay and lesbian student groups on campus, such as the Gay Pride Alliance, the Gay and Lesbian Student Resource Center, and the recently formed group Rosie. York said these organizations have proved to be meaningful programs but that they have been largely student-led. "My concern is that...despite these strides, students cannot identify faculty who they consider allies at this university," she said. An ally is someone committed to being understanding, supportive, and trustworthy if a gay, lesbian, or bisexual student needs help, advice, or information about university and community resources or just needs someone with whom they can talk about sexual orientation issues openly and constructively, York said. "I propose that a similar program be developed at USU. I think it's long overdue," she said.