If the Brethren Statement quoted in the article on RESPECT printed in The Collegian for August 19 of this year is correct, and RESPECT's mission statement is quoted correctly (and I am told by the president-elect Will Cochrane that it is), then I see no disagreement between the two that would obviate RESPECT's charter being renewed.

The Brethren Statement as quoted in The Collegian reads "While homosexuals as individuals are entitled to civil rights, including equal protection of the law, The Brethren Church opposes legislation which would extend special consideration to such individuals based upon their ‘sexual orientation.' Such legislation inevitably is perceived as legitimizing the practice of homosexuality and elevates that practice to the level of an accepted moral standard."

The RESPECT mission statement reads "The purpose of RESPECT is to foster a sense of understanding and acceptance of human diversity within the framework of Ashland University's Judeo-Christian values with particular emphasis on reducing fear, prejudice, and discrimination toward lesbians, gay men, bisexual men and women and transgender people. RESPECT will strive to provide a safe space for LGBTQ students, faculty, staff, and their allies and will work to educate and raise awareness of issues relating to LGBTQ people."

Since the RESPECT mission statement does not include any reference to legislation extending special consideration to individuals based on sexual orientation, the objection to the renewal of RESPECT's charter seems to be based on willful misreading of its mission statement and its aims.