Letter to the Editor

Upon receiving the November Community News, I was upset by the article by Catina R. Alexander ("Why Not Honor Our Own 'Exceptional Service'?"). While Catina raises some important points, it seems as though she has missed many as well. Her attitude and tone is divisive and exclusionary. While I acknowledge her statements about homophobia, queer-bashing, and a general lack of respect from the straight community as a whole, I feel nonetheless that an award recognizing the contributions of an ally in the straight community is quite worthwhile.

Any activity which serves to recognize and encourage contributions to the "community," and which helps to expand the definition and realization of the idea of "community" at Columbia (a nebulous idea to many at best) is surely a worthwhile and commendable activity. I believe that the "Straight-But-Not-Narrow Award" is such an activity and I commend those who developed the award.

- Shannon J. Halkyard
CC '94

Community News -- December/January 1994 -- Volume 2, Number 4