ASISU approves resolution
On Wednesday, Feb. 20, ASISU senators approved a resolution urging state lawmakers to expand Idaho’s human rights laws. The resolution, introduced by Senator Emma Doupé, supports a state-wide amendment that would include the terms “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the Idaho Human Rights Act.
While it is currently illegal to discriminate against someone based upon race or age, the new Idaho amendment would broaden the scope of protection offered by the law.
All but two student senators present at the meeting voted in favor of the resolution.
“The whole purpose of this was to join all the students of ISU, all of our voices, to say to the state of Idaho, ‘This huge group of people supports this amendment,’” said Doupé. “It’s just time for the university.”
Doupé, a senior in the Music Department, modeled Resolution 525 after a similar resolution sent to her by students at the University of Idaho.
“I’m in a position where I can right now and I should,” Doupé said of her efforts.
Members of student organizations, including the Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) and the Feminist Alliance, attended the meeting to show support for the resolution.
“We feel very strongly about the human rights of everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or religion, race or culture,” said Jocelyn Sparks, member of the Feminist Alliance’s governing board.
Sparks, a senior majoring in secondary education, said, “It’s really important that Idaho understands that the university doesn’t stand for discrimination.”
Sam Johnson, a freshman majoring in international studies, attended the ASISU meeting to support the resolution.
“Ultimately, it boils down to the fact that we’re in 2013 and we’re still arguing over whether this should be an issue or not,” said Johnson.
“If the university can understand that this is a no-brainer, that everyone should have safety here, then there’s no reason that a state legislature shouldn’t either,” Johnson continued.
Most senators and students who attended the senate session agreed the resolution’s margin of victory was a cause for celebration.
“What’s nice about this senate is that we all can leave our outside opinions and we can think logically and base things on our constituents and what they would want,” said Doupé.
“When it comes to this, they can logically see that they don’t have to be for or against gay rights,” Doupé continued. “This isn’t about gay rights, this is about discrimination.”
SAGA President Ryan Heffner was optimistic about the resolution’s impact.
“It will create a ripple effect,” said Heffner, a junior majoring in English literature. “They’ll see that over here, we’re saying ‘no’ to discrimination. It’s the message that we’re sending. It is not appropriate for people to be discriminated against based on sexual orientation or gender identity.”
In addition to Doupé, the bill was sponsored by eight senators from five colleges and divisions.
“Race, religion, age, they’re all in there for a reason,” Doupé said of the Idaho Human Rights Act. “And this definitely needs to be in there.”
