I am outraged by the TCUJ's ruling which blatantly invalidates our existing non discrimination policy by allowing a group to discriminate against a member based on beliefs rather than identity. It is impossible to draw this line between the two as if they mutually exclude eachother, when what one believes is inextricably tied to who one is.
According to Anya Ligai's letter, "the issue is not about discrimination. The TCF welcomes everyone, yet without accepting everyone's lifestyles and beliefs." First of all, this clearly is a case about discrimination. Second of all, she seems to be saying that any person may be a leader in the organization as long as that person keeps her dissenting opinion to herself, possibly negating her own identity in the process. This is not safe and it cannot be allowed on the Tufts campus. Yes, there should be a diversity of voices on campus. Yes, there should be freedom of speech and religion. But, Tufts is a private university with a policy to uphold: that no student should be discriminated against because of her identity, which includes beliefs.
If we begin to separate belief from identity, the ramifications endanger every person on this campus. Basically, if you hold a minority opinion, you can be excluded. This is not acceptable, and I, for one, am prepared to fight. I hope you will join me.
Sarah Marcus, '02
Member of the Coalition for Social Justice
