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2003 Annual Report, Advisory Committee on Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Issues in Academic Studies
The issue of conventions sites in states which have anti-sodomy laws (anti-gay) was addressed again. As this has been a recurring issue, the Committee each year asks for NCTE to recommitment to its stand on holding conventions only in those states which do not discriminate against gays. Such a resolution was passed by NCTE in 1992. The Committee was assured that NCTE remains strong in its anti-discrimination policy. Interestingly, on June 26, 2003, an historic event took place for the LGBT community. The United States Supreme Court in a 6-3 decision, found a Texas sodomy law unconstitutional, discriminatory and an unwarranted invasion of privacy. Therefore, it appears that all states must adhere and this would open up convention sites. This issue will be discussed at the San Francisco convention with NCTE President and Executive Director.
The Committee was especially pleased that one of the featured speakers at the Atlanta convention was the gifted writer, Carole Maso, who is an “out” lesbian. This was brought to fruition through the efforts of William Spurlin and David Bloome. Ms. Maso was great; the only disappointment was that she was not identified in the program as part of the LGBT strand. Such notation would have been an important recognition for Gay and Lesbian awareness in Academic Studies.
The Committee was informed by Patti Stock and Kent Williamson that future program planning for conventions would be done largely on-line. This issue will be addressed at the San Francisco Convention by the Committee. Although this organizational method has become necessary due to financial constraints, the loss of five GSEA (Gay Straight Educators Alliance Assembly) members at the convention planning meetings will greatly weaken the visibility of LGBT in Academic Studies.
We are profoundly appreciative of the work, vision, and commitment that William Spurlin gave to the Advisory Committee as the co-chair; he has been a leader for equity in all aspects of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Issues in Academic Studies. His tenure as a chair has ended; he will be greatly missed in this capacity. Marcy Rayher serves as chair at the San Francisco convention, to be held November 2003, at which time the Advisory Committee will meet.
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