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By LAUREN BURKHART
The MarcolianMarietta College has been working hard in recent months to serve the minorities on campus, with a goal of increasing diversity and globalization on campus. But how is the college serving MC's sexual minority?
The answer is not within the administration, but within a rebuilt student group, The Rainbow Alliance. The Alliance has existed previously at MC but disappeared for some time.
With student need increasing, The Rainbow Alliance decided to return to campus.
"A bunch of people got together and started talking about it," said chairperson Liz Schulz. The group was officially organized and officers were elected at the end of February. With Schulz as chairperson and sophomore Thomas Simers as assistant chairperson, the group is on its way to becoming a prominent force on the Marietta College Campus.
"Our goal is to raise awareness of sexual minorities on campus," said Schulz.
As their mission statement says "[The Rainbow Alliance] shall seek to educate the Marietta College campus and the Marietta community on issues, politics and culture concerning sexual minorities while also promoting a safe and supportive environment."
Schulz said there are members of all sexual orientations involved in the group, although she would not give specific information about any members.
"Our policy is to not talk about the specific make up of the group," she said.
So how many members does the group have? The truth is, even Schulz doesn't know. Students are considered members if they subscribe to the group's email account, rainbow@marietta.edu.
The Alliance realizes that some people may not be comfortable admitting their status to a group and privacy is important, Schulz said.
"The Rainbow Alliance is a safe place. We don't have a roster, and that is a very intentional and safe thing to do," she said.
The support she has had has helped the group to survive in a largely conservative location like Marietta, Schulz said.
"People on campus were more open and accepting than I thought they would be," she said. She has especially appreciated support from the MC faculty and staff, she said.
The group meets every week, with the first half of the meeting devoted to business, while the second half of the meeting is for social time and support. "It is a safe place and a good experience for the people who come," Schulz said. "It has been an important place for a lot of people in the group." Future plans involve a showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show slated for next year, fun, educational events, speakers, and outreach programs for Marietta High School and Middle School. All students are also invited to the Rainbow Alliance costume ball this Friday from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. in the New Hall multipurpose room.
"The most important thing is for you to be yourself and this is a group where you can do that," Schulz emphasized. "I hope more people take advantage of that."
Copyright ©2006-07 by MC Rainbow Alliance
Last updated by Thomas on 11 April 2002.
