The Carolinian; The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

SGA passes legislation in wake of UNC-CH hate crime

By Amanda Carl

Published: Tuesday, November 30, 2004

On March 22, the Student Government Association of UNCG proposed and passed new anti-discrimination legislation - the Thomas Stockwell Resolution.

The Resolution was response to an incident that occurred on February 25, 2005 at UNC-Chapel Hill. On that date, openly gay junior Thomas Stockwell was attacked by a group of men on Franklin Street, and the incident was deemed a hate crime by the local authorities.

The crime sparked a surge of support across North Carolina campuses, including UNCG. The Resolution was brought to the Student Senate and passed unanimously Tuesday night. The Resolution stated, " . . . The Student Government Association of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, strongly urge the University of North Carolina Board of Governors to mandate that all UNC-system schools adopt non-discrimination and non-harassment policies."

Furthermore, the Stockwell Resolution said, " . . . The Student Government Association of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, condemn any and all violent actions and crimes against any person when motivated by personal bias, prejudice or hate."

If such policies are passed, it is the intent of the Resolution to provide a safe environment for all students. The policies would, according to the resolution, "protect students on the basis of real or perceived [harm in regards to] sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression."

PRIDE Senator Matt Hill, who proposed the legislation, said, "The Thomas Stockwell Resolution is important because it sends the message to the general public . . . that the Student Government Association stands against discrimination, harassment, prejudice, and hate crimes."

Agreeing with Hill, Education major Erica Cartwright stated, "I think it's important to protect the rights of everyone, and this Resolution is a step in the right direction"

Along those lines, UNCG freshman Mark McHugh added, "Certainly, I believe the university should have policies protecting students' rights, but I think those policies should protect everyone, that means gays included."

For some students, this resolution instills hope.

Business Administration Major Jamie Corti said, "We live in such a hateful world, and it's sad that we even need resolutions like this one to stop discrimination. Thankfully someone is trying to put a stop to those hate crimes. I think it will really bring hope to those who are discriminated against."

Although the incident on February 25, 2005 did not occur at UNCG, it has clearly impacted the UNCG community. By passing the Thomas Stockwell Resolution, the UNCG Student Senate, speaking for the students of UNCG, publicly denounces any and all acts of discrimination.

While the issue seems to just target the rights of homosexuals, the resolution attempts to address the rights and freedoms of everyone. Clearly the Resolution is attempting to protect students' rights in general.

"Every student, regardless of any individual characteristic, deserves to have a safe place in which to learn and live," said Hill, and added it is his hope that this resolution will accomplish such an endeavor."

This article available online at http://www.carolinianonline.com/media/paper301/news/2004/11/30/CampusNews/Sga-Passes.Legislation.In.Wake.Of.UncCh.Hate.Crime-905465.shtml?page=2