January 15, 2006

National On-Campus Report - January 15, 2006 - Full Issue
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Compromises on LGBT Groups Get Mixed Reviews
Religious colleges and universities faced with students seeking to establish lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender organizations or events on campus have responded, for the most part, by offering compromises. The institutions hope their responses will help them adhere to church teachings about homosexual relationships while adhering to other religious tenets regarding social justice, mutual respect, and inclusiveness.

Public Institutions Face Balancing Act, Too
While religious institutions wrestle with allowing or formally recognizing LGBT student groups, public institutions are wrestling with allowing or recognizing student groups that require members to adhere to Christian teachings, including prohibitions on homosexual relationships.

Shuttle Lets Students Collaborate Across Campuses
Baltimore Collegetown Network, a consortium of 15 Baltimore-area institutions, has had success using a shuttle service to promote intercampus friendships, activities, and collaborations among students.

Campus Capsules
University of Georgia sends underage drinkers to jail; U.S., Canadian colleges boycott Coke; Auburn 'holiday tree' keeps its secular name; National student organization focused on Social Security grows in members; Wellesley College advises Pentagon on responding to sexual assault and harassment; Incoming freshmen less likely to abuse alcohol but more likely to abuse prescription drugs; Cheerleaders find work in drug sales; more

Multifaith Learning Community Addresses Difficult Topics
Wellesley College in Massachusetts is beginning its second semester of a Multifaith Living and Learning Community. In the program, 11 students with a wide range of faiths live together and help lead activities on campus.

LUCERO Helps Latino Students Make Connections
At Lansing Community College in Michigan, administrators are addressing the needs of a growing Hispanic population through the school’s LUCERO program.