We, as the editors here at City Times, all seem to take the same stance on the FAGS name change controversy. We all tend to see both sides of the issue to hold some truth.
It should have been no surprise that this big decision to change the group name from LGBTSU (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Student Union) to FAGS (Fellowship of Associated Gay Students) would bring controversy, but taking the Dean to court seems to be a bit much.
Significant changes of any kind made in a community tend to offend, hurt, or perhaps simply stir up people because not everyone will always be happy. This is why it is difficult to place blame on who is in the wrong and give justice to who is right.
Are we bridging a barrier or are we asking individuals to take a side? Is this a step forward to becoming more open minded as a community or are there individuals on one side patting themselves on the back while others in the background are getting offended?
The whole issue has been blown out of proportion by the administration and the group. If the intentions of the FAGS are genuine and they follow through on them, and the purpose is to desensitize the term, we are all in favor. We are for any positive movement for minority groups.
The battle to bring justice to this name change could potentially hurt people or relationships along the way, asking the question, do the ends truly justify the means?
This issue is no doubt a debatable one, so all we can do from here is wait and watch to see what happens next.
