5 page feature story, Bridge Buidlers - PR Writing assignment

The purpose of this assignment was to write a 5 page feature about an organization on campus.  I chose Bridge Builders, a LGBT support group that has been trying to gain momentum for about a year.  I conducted all the interviews and gathered all the information myself. 

In the "real world" this would be sent to different medias -- i.e. newspapers, news stations, magazines, etc.

I'll let the article speak for itself. 

For more information contact:

         Valerie Wire

         vannwire@gmail.com

         812-598-7521

Burning Bridges

Oct. 21 – Belmont University has prided itself upon its Christian values, diversity, and acceptance of all individuals for many years.  The mission statement for the university upholds “empowerment,” “diversity” and “welcoming,” to the student body.  However, the twice denial of Bridge Builders, a Christian Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender support group, as an official student organization on campus argues otherwise.

         Very similar to the Belmont mission statement, the Bridge Builders mission statement highlights its presence is “to empower students of diverse backgrounds through assistance and aid unto LGBT students, and those who support them… We uphold Jesus Christ as our ideal standard and model, and revere Christ’s promise: “blessed are the peacemakers.””  The Bridge Builders rationale also specifically states that the group will “operate in the hope that we may promote healthy, respectful exchange between the Christian and LGBT communities present on-campus,” as well as “will not use its resources to engage its members in political activism of any kind… We are committed to upholding the Belmont Mission Statement in all of our proceedings.”

         Although the mission statements are so similar, and the outcry for the recognition and support seems endless, Bridge Builders has been denied official status at Belmont University twice (Spring 2009, Fall 2010).  This denial leaves many of those supporting – needing – the group feeling exiled by their school’s community.

 As for Bridge Builder president and Belmont senior, Robbie Maris felt, “extremely offended and hurt,” Maris said.  “Bridge Builders could save lives and change lives.  Bridge Builders could open the world to truth and understanding instead of close-mindedness, duality, and simplicity… LGBT students [at Belmont] are second-class because of the way they are treated here.”

         Administration may not take into account the personal affects when over viewing paperwork for student organizations.  The twice denial of Bridge Builders was “sort of a slap to the face,” said sophomore, and Bridge Builder member, Kristen Nault.  “It’s discriminating and by not [allowing] this group is basically saying we don’t accept your kind and it leads you to feel a bit ashamed.  People need a place where they feel comfortable, safe and they can be themselves.  This group allows it… it’s a tough world, but this group helps us live through it.”

         In the wake of the recent news of gay-teen suicides, it would seem places of authority – such as universities – would want to lead by example.  “This is an extremely crucial time for this at Belmont.  What happened to Tyler Clementi could have very well happened here,” Maris said.  “We are treated differently, and there are damaging implications because of that.  This is extremely harmful to Belmont students; I am very concerned about the welfare of other students at this university.”  By the constant refusal of campus recognition the LGBT community and supporters will continue to feel oppressed

         “I think it’s outrageous that Belmont has denied this organization,” sophomore Jessica Spradlin, who is a supporter but not a member of Bridge Builders, said.  “It’s not just about the prejudice this group faces but it’s about support – supporting others in the school community in which we find ourselves.  I think it’s a great example of what we should all be doing: coming together for the benefit of everyone.”

         It is understandable to see why Belmont would deny an LGBT group due to its Christian foundation, even if the group upholds the same values.  However, this should be more of a reason to lead to acceptance.  “It’s the whole ‘love thy neighbor’ concept,” said sophomore and non-Bridge Builder member, Beth Goforth.  “Jesus said to love everybody and not to judge others for their sins when we sin ourselves.”  The Bible states being gay is a sin, but that “doesn’t mean you should hate and torture a gay person… Bridge Builders brings Christian values to the table, while still accepting LGBTs for who they are,” Goforth said.

         For a university who so strongly upholds the values of acceptance and diversity, “by not allowing Bridge Builders, the administration is subtly accepting prejudice and hatred toward gay people,” Goforth said.  “It suggests that they don’t care or accept everyone on campus, and that’s a pretty negative connotation to have…  Bridge Builders is about accepting people for who they are and showing that we care about others.  So while so many people hate that people are gay, Bridge Builders tells them that it’s okay, you are who you are, and we’ll support you anyways.”

         Bridge Builders, then, is all about the support and community.  “Bridge Builders is a way… to advance human rights in this country… a way for emergence and change,” Maris said.  This student group is intended to fulfill the “need for justice and community” by combating “the lack of resources that Belmont offers LGBT students.”

         Bridge Builders was, in Spring 2009, granted the privileges to gather as a discussion group on campus.  The difference is, though, that “without being official, we cannot advertise or do anything publically on campus.  In this, the administration is telling us to be ashamed of who are as the LGBT community,” Maris said. 

         While the administration does not seem too fond of the idea of Bridge Builders, the support from the rest of the Belmont community is quite the opposite.  “I personally have not received any negative response from students,” Maris said.  “Our student and faculty support has been overwhelming in all the forms that it comes in (whether physical or verbal.).”

         On the other hand, “the specifically Christian departments and offices of this university have either done no visible contributes to the Bridge Builders initiative or caused extreme hindrance and obstacles for us,” Maris said.  “This is something that is inexcusable to me.”

However, the setbacks and denial will not deter Maris or the members of Bridge.  “Bridge Builders is my life calling,” Maris said.  “I am called to stand in the divide of the Christian community and the gay community.  I am called to talk about LGBT issues and Christianity because they are not simple issues or things to talk about, they are complicated and complex.” As far as administration, “they are indefinitely denying us recognition.  We will ask for recognition indefinitely,” Maris said.

As far as getting involved, Bridge Builders has a large Facebook following with an impressive 273 members, and over 60 official Bridge Builders members from students, faculty, and alumni alike.   Anyone interested is welcome to attend meetings and keep up-to-date with the group.  Another great way to become involved in the action and progress of Bridge Builders and recognition of a LGBT group on Belmont’s campus is by setting up meetings with the Dean of Students, Dr. Andrew Johnston and President of Belmont, Dr. Bob Fisher to discuss these ever pressing and dominate issues.

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