On-Campus Recruiting

STAFF EDITORIAL

The U.S. Supreme Court decided last month that schools, including private ones, can be stripped of federal funding if they disallow military recruiters on their campuses.

The ruling passed unanimously, despite some schools’ contention that by allowing recruiters on campus, the school is effectively endorsing the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy towards gays.

One cannot help but question the injustice inherent in this situation. By cutting off federal funds to private schools, our government is essentially blackmailing them into condoning the military’s bigoted view on homosexuality.

“Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy aside, military recruiters have no place on a college campus, especially at City College.

For community college students, getting an education is difficult enough without the temptation of joining the military staring them in the face. This may not be a big issue for students who can afford to attend private colleges, but with all the adversity facing students at community colleges, the monetary benefits of enlistment are tempting.

Despite these injustices, this decision went largely unnoticed by the people it affects the most – college students. Where is the activism on this issue?

History has shown on multiple occasions that changes in our society are made when students get involved and make their voices heard. Maybe now would be a good time to continue that trend.

e-mail: editorial@theguardsman.com

Supervisors Give Two Cents on Church

BY DANI GOMEZ
Staff Writer

TESS DONOHOE / GUARDSMAN

When it comes to issues surrounding homosexuality, gay adoption is the most controversial one. So it came as no surprise when ex-archbishop of San Francisco and current Vatican second-in-command Cardinal William Levada stated that Catholic agencies shouldn't allow gays to adopt children.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors managed to set things straight by unanimously passing a nonbinding resolution ordering all Catholic charities in San Francisco to continue to permit gay couples to adopt children regardless of the Vatican's position on the issue.

Through the years, charitable agencies have provided quality homes for hard-to-place children, but many children are still waiting. If gay adoption were banned altogether, chances for these children to experience parental love would be even smaller than they already are.

What high Vatican officials fail to understand is that priority for adoption should be given based on qualifications such as the ability to provide a stable home and meet the child’s needs, not the parents’ sexual preference.

Moreover, gay couples should be treated as parents who are capable of sharing their love in a strong and healthy family environment. Any attempts to ban the child's right to a family because of the foster parent's sexual orientation are insulting and ignorant.

Instead of fighting over the rights and wrongs of homosexuality from a religious perspective, the Vatican should be focusing on the problems that emerge from within, such as the high number of accusations of molestation by priests.

e-mail: dgomez@theguardsman.com

Advice for Student Travelers

BY ALEX DIXON
Editor

Europe is a popular travel destination for many college students. COURTESY OF KRT CAMPUS

The Guardsman recently received an envelope from the Department of State stuffed full of information and advice for college students who travel abroad during their vacations.

Inside was a letter encouraging us to publicize a “message on the dangers (students) may encounter through careless or reckless behavior.”

But after poring over its contents, I quickly concluded the message was rather unnecessary. Furthermore, I failed to see how one’s behavior in foreign countries should differ from one’s behavior inside the United States.

For example, a pamphlet entitled “Travel Warning on Drugs Abroad” warns that possession of drugs is illegal in most countries and is punishable by law. Alcohol is also potentially illegal in the form of drunk driving, public drunkenness, or underage drinking.

Other so-called “hidden safety issues” include automobile accidents, falls from balconies or into open ditches, drowning in the ocean or hotel swimming pool, and water sports mishaps.

How are any of these a departure from the realities of the United States? All could happen just as easily in this country as a foreign one, if not more easily. Besides, most could be avoided with a little common sense.

Going to a foreign country is the single most enriching experience I’ve had in my life. There is no substitute for traveling. Some things simply cannot be found within the boundaries of the United States, amazing culture and delicious food, to name a few.

With that said, I encourage everyone to travel to a foreign country, even in the face of punishment for breaking the law, falling into a ditch or drowning in a swimming pool.

e-mail: editorial@theguardsman.com

COMING IN

Faculty Poll

Should the Board of Supervisors try to influence the Catholic Church’s gay adoption policy?

Yes: 60% (3 out of 5)
No: 40% (2 out of 5)


“I think they were right on. The clergy of the Catholic Church are the ones people need to keep away from children.”
— Larry Ferrara, music

“No. We still have separation of church and state. Nevertheless, the Board of Supervisors continues to take on issues outside their purview. They should strengthen the adoption programs within San Francisco's Human Services Department. Then they can complain when those agencies try to impose their values on their clients.”
— Stephanie Lyons, concert and lecture

ON THE RECORD

Are you going to vote in the student government elections on April 25 and 26?

Marvin Paz
“No, because I don’t really pay attention to what happens on campus. I just go to classes and go home and that’s it.”

Kenya Smith
“I will be voting...mainly for the school, but also for job opportunities for students. Most often I start reading up and then decide who to vote for.”

Ryo Harada
“I don’t know about it. Now that I know about it, I will vote.”

Zero Rosemon
“Yeah, I am because I want to support gay people and some of my friends who are gay are running.”

Kassandra Mayhew
“I didn’t really know about them, but I guess I will now. I don’t really know who the candidates are.”

Abhijit Pendyal
“It depends on what days the elections happen. There has been no campaigning. If my friend had not told me, I wouldn’t even know it was happening.”