 Letter to the Editor
Radio Bilkent's Red Alert Party was held on 16th April as many of you have already known. Unfortunately, the party didn't bring much fun to all of us because of a violent attack to two homosexual boys with no apparent reason but homophobia.
I am one of the victims. I went to the party with my friends around 8 p.m. As the party went on, we got closer to the stage and were dancing there. All of a sudden, a boy attacked my friend and my friend's glasses got broken and his mouth was bleeding. However, all the security guard said was, "Go and wash your mouth." What a brilliant idea! While turning back to our dorms, 5 boys started beating up my friend. Trying to protect him, I got few fists on the arms and face. We don't know who they were, but we think that the reason was their hatred against gay people.
This horrible event was not the only homophobic act we (gays and lesbians) have experienced on campus. For example, any kind of violence, irritating stares, verbal humiliation and finally physical attacks, can be counted as homophobic acts. It is impossible for me to understand even in the 21st century such medieval ideas are so common and in action.
Name witheld during disciplinary investigation
Response to the Letter
Bilkent University does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, veteran status, or disability, and, consequently decry this act of violence. We were informed by the university administration that the recent act of violence is under investigation by the security unit.
The University aims to create a safe and secure learning environment for all students, regardless of their preferences and background. University policy dictates that all members of the Bilkent community are treated equally and ensured an environment conducive to free learning and growth.
The official university non-discrimination policy reads as follows: Bilkent University hires academic and administrative staff and admits students regardless of gender, race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to staff and students at the university. It does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic and other university-administered programs.
PS: The Bilkent News staff apologizes for this oversight regarding the article that was printed about the Radyo Bilkent Red Alert party. News of these violent events reached our office after the paper went to print. If these events had been known, we would have included that into the article.
The non-discrimination statement can be reached at:
http://catalog.bilkent.edu.tr/current/general/nondis.html
Bilkent News Editorial Board
|
