PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University officials have cancelled a conference for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth and their families that was set for June 19-21.
Ernestine Madison, WSU vice provost for human relations and resources, said the cancellation was partially based on the university evaluating its “ability to provide a safe and supportive environment for young people already exposed to high levels of intolerance.
“Because reaction coming from around Washington and the region is so intense, we concluded the controversy would impede our ability to have a supportive and productive conference,” Madison said.
In a letter sent to those who have contacted the university about the conference, Madison said WSU is “proud of its commitment to diversity as it is most broadly defined. That commitment sometimes leads us into controversy, as in this case. Our aim is always to be a model community of individuals who seek what is best for each other and who respect each other regardless of their differences.”
Workshops at the conference were to have dealt with a range of topics such as promoting safe schools, suicide prevention and awareness, relationship issues, and HIV/AIDS prevention.
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