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		Cameron University adds "sexual orientation" to anti-discrimination policyxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The following is a press release from Cameron University PRIDE
(Posted 3-13-01)

People Respecting Individuality, Diversity and Equality
Cameron University
2800 West Gore Blvd
Lawton, Oklahoma 73505
http://cupride.cjb.net

*****For Immediate Release*******

Cameron University Student Government Passes Landmark Legislation

On Tuesday, March 6, the Cameron University students approved a set of
changes to the Student Government Association constitution adding the words
"sexual orientation" to the SGA anti-discrimination statement.

The bill that prompted the vote was authored by former People Respecting
Individuality, Diversity and Equality Senator Matt Price and was presented
before SGA in September of 2000. The measure is the first of its kind to be
approved by a student government body in Oklahoma.

"The passage of this measure is a step in the right direction," SGA
President Maurice Wilson said. "People who have never experienced
discrimination may not understand the importance of this bill. Everyone
deserves to be protected, regardless of what your personal beliefs are."

The measure was approved by the SGA senate in January and went to a vote of
the students as is required by the SGA constitution.

"A lot of people may not understand why we fought so hard for this bill,"
P.R.I.D.E. Chair Jim Joplin said. "It was the first logical step to making a
real positive change in higher education in Oklahoma."

The P.R.I.D.E. organization is planning to meet with Oklahoma Regents for
Higher Education in an attempt to make changes to anti-discrimination
statements on a statewide level.

"The word sexual orientation applies to everyone," Joplin said. "It
doesn't't matter if you are gay or straight, making these changes is good
for everyone."

Attention Media: Jim Joplin can be reached for additional comment at
tactile1@hotmail.com or 580-591-2517.

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