I am so tired of individuals exploiting religion to cover up their own fears, biases, and prejudices. Because of certain biblical quotes, we have seen white supremacists justify slavery, women historically encouraged to be treated as cattle, and billions of people tortured, butchered and destroyed by the very institution that today claims to promote "the sanctity of life." Although their crime is obviously on a much smaller scale, the TCF is no different. They claim to have denied Catalano a leadership position because her beliefs concerning homosexuality are at odds with the group's own established beliefs, even though a former TCF leader has admitted before the TCUJ that he agrees with Catalano's view that homosexuality is "acceptable". Why was he not removed from his senior leadership post also?
The TCF must realize that one does not get into Tufts for being stupid. They are dealing with intelligent, thoughtful individuals here, not the OJ jury. Surely, I'm not the only one on campus who sees through TCF's laughable charade. Honestly, is that the best excuse they could come up with? How could they have missed the discrepancy in their actions concerning Catalano and the former senior leader, who both hold beliefs concerning homosexuality that run contrary to the group? I'm curious as to what arguments or biblical quotes the TCF will use to explain that one, especially since Jody Chang is temporarily unavailable to tell them what and how to think.
Although I am sickened, saddened, and disappointed by the TCUJ's recent decision concerning the TCF scandal, I reluctantly accept it. Deep down, I knew that they would win in the end. Had they lost, I am certain that they would have sued to force the school to accept their homophobic practices and drag this issue on for years to come. As most Tufts students, particularly partygoers, already know, the administration always bows to pressure. However, I look at this decision with a renewed sense of hope - a hope that TCF's existence will stand as a constant and painful reminder that our work in combating prejudice is far from over, and a powerful motivator for the Tufts community to continue the struggle for the acceptance of all people.
Gerard Balan. is a sophomore majoring in psychology.
