Gay Lib: U-m Interim Discrimination Policy Limited

At an open forum on U-M's interim policy governing discrimination and discriminatory harassment by U-M students, members of the Lesbian and Gay Men's Rights Organizing Committee (LAGROC) and Vice-President for Student Services Henry Johnson expressed their concern that the policy does not address discriminatory conduct against groups. LAGROC is represented on the new Student's Advisory Commission set up by U-M President James Duderstadt in October to advise him on the proposed text of the permanent policy. Balancing the right of freedom of speech versus the rights of individuals and groups subjected to discrimination and harassment is a complex issue that has been a major topic of discussion as preparation of the permanent policy goes forward. Once the student policy is in place the University will resume the task of writing a permanent policy governing discriminatory conduct by staff and faculty members of U-M.

Whether the AIDS virus was genetically engineered in a U.S. biological warfare laboratory is a speculation that has been raised a number of times in the past. More recently, a member of the Michigan Daily's news staff has examined this possibility in a series of articles printed in the Daily. For copies, call 763-4186.

Wellness Networks, Inc-Huron Valley, a local volunteer organization providing AIDS education and support services, is planning a weekend of educational workshops for interested community members and potential volunteers. The workshops are scheduled for January 20 and 21. For information, call 572-WELL (see Wellness listing on page 10).

Please follow this column for information about events of particular interest to lesbians and gay men scheduled as part of the celebration of Martin Luther King Day this coming January 15.

Gay Liberation's Purpose is to provide information, counseling, and related social services for people concerned about sexual orientation.

Community Services include a Hotline: crisis intervention, peer counseling, referral. Education: workshops and conferences on lesbian and gay male concerns, with an emphasis on how people in the "helping professions" and "teaching professions" can work positively with lesbian and gay male clients, patients, & students. Speakers Bureau: phone for information. Human & Civil Rights: information and referral to help people who are being discriminated against because of their actual or presumed sexual orientation or because of their presumed "cross-gender" characteristics; lobbying for human and civil rights. Community Organizing : information and assistance in organizing groups, setting goals, addressing conflict, linking with other groups and resources.

Gay Liberation Meetings vary according to purpose. We do most of our work in sub-committees (counseling, group-work, education, civil rights). Call for time and place. Gay Liberation includes UM students, staff, and faculty, and people from the larger community. We have a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. We're a registered non-profit organization.

Gay Liberation, c/o 4117 Michigan Union, Ann Arbor, Ml 48109, info: 763-4186; holline: 662-1977.