You might think that headline would come from The Onion, given how ludicrous it sounds. But au contraire, Eau Claire. That’s right, head on up to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and check out the email inbox of a Professor of “Information Systems,” Dr. Tom Hilton.
As faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Dr. Hilton is occasionally asked by students to support various causes. As such, he was on the receiving end of an email from senior Women’s Studies student Crystal Kazik, who was helping the campus organize its first ever queer film festival. In her email to faculty, Kazik asked a simple question: would you mind helping us get word out about the event, by letting us put a poster up?
Dr. Hilton’s response? Well, let’s just say that in the language of email, it looked a lot like this: :(
“I urge you to reconsider your plan. Homosexual behavior damages its participants, their loved ones, and the communities that sanction it,” Dr. Hilton said. But ever the kind and generous soul, he signed the email, “Love, Dr. H.”
The email caused quite the dust up on campus, with students complaining that Dr. Hilton overstepped his bounds as a Professor. Now the school’s Chancellor, Brian Levin-Stankevich, is stepping in to investigate as well.
But that hasn’t stopped Dr. Hilton from keeping the homophobic comments coming. Dr. Hilton, who also doubles as a local bishop with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, went on to tell the school newspaper that while he has no problem with LGBT students being treated like fellow humans, “I decry attempts to legitimize their addictions and compulsions.”
As Professor of Information Systems, one has to wonder if Dr. Hilton is teaching his students about the wonders of the telegraph. Because it seems like Dr. Hilton’s thoughts on homosexuality come straight out the 1800s, when the telegraph was in its heyday.
For their part, both the students and faculty in charge of the queer film festival are using the comments not to bash Dr. Hilton, but to address the need for events on campus that focus on LGBT issues.
“This isn’t about me, this isn’t about Dr. Hilton exactly,” Kazik said. “This sheds light on an underlying issue. I want people to remember the film festival as a celebration and time of awareness, rather than a time of controversy.”
Indeed, what better way to respond to Dr. Hilton’s rather inappropriate comments than to make sure that their LGBT event not only makes an impact, but contributes to a culture of inclusiveness and equality on campus. Dr. Hilton might think they’re perverts or addicts, but it sounds like the student body and the vast majority of staff at the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire couldn’t disagree more.
(Source: queerwatch)
