Members of the Manchester University Community Against HJR-6

I'm a friend of the university, not an alum or student, - a parent of a student and a friend to many who have been students!

When Jesus returned to his home town of Nazareth, after having gathered the Disciples, he turned to the people and, reading from the scroll of Isaiah, he read to them God’s plan for his ministry. That ministry was first and foremost about human rights. Paraphrasing from the book of Luke, chapter four, he said – I have come to bring good news to those who feel less than welcomed, I have come to break down the walls that keep us from understanding one another, I have come to heal the blind; even when we cannot see the unfair ways in which we treat one another, I have come to see that no one is oppressed and that all are free to live their lives as God created them to live their lives, made in Gods’ image; as equally loved, precious children of God in whom God is well-pleased. As a Christian, I believe that I am called to follow this way, to follow this call, and to take partnered action with my God in the re-creation of our world as a chaplain for the common good, for the rights of all humanity to their right to pursue happiness in their lives. Throughout the history of the United States, there have been repeated attempts to institutionalize inequality. At times those attempts have succeeded in codifying discrimination and bias. A couple of those examples include the Jim Crow laws of ‘separate but equal,’ and the displacement and relocation of some Japanese-Americans during World War II, to internment camps (information that was partially gathered through the US Census). Most recently, the Indiana State House has made a special effort to contribute to this history of systematic prejudice by introducing House Joint Resolution 6, more familiarly known as HJR-6. HJR-6 seeks to create a redundancy in state law by making it a constitutional amendment that “Only a marriage between one (1) man and one (1) woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Indiana.” Then the proposed amendment heaps discrimination upon discrimination, injustice upon injustice by stating “

HJR-6 sends a dangerous message to our society; one of intolerance and hatred. This oppression cannot be allowed to continue against the people of Indiana.

Time to step it up, MU. Be the bastion of love and compassion that you used to be known for.

As a Manchester alum, and a lesbian, I am ashamed and outraged at the decision made by my beloved Manchester College, now University. When the name was changed we were told that the spirit, the mission, the vision, and the values would remain the same. This is a clear and tragic illustration that we were betrayed. The Manchester College I knew, - the Manchester I knew, would never stand neutral in an issue that put people's lives, people's rights, people's dignity, on the line, - the Manchester I knew fought for Peace (Peace Studies, a vital, world renown, and often marketed part of the College's vision and values), - the Manchester I knew stood up for Justice, Equity, and the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr, Gandhi, and other leaders who understood that remaining neutral, remaining silent, is to be complacent and condone acts of violence, injustice, and bigotry. I urge you to change your position of "neutrality" and to actually stand up for the values, the mission, the dream, and the purpose of the Manchester I went to, the Manchester I have told others interested in peace, justice, and higher education that values the dignity and lives of every individual -- I urge you to come back to yourself so that we can once again be proud to call you are home. Sincerely, Jennifer Cadenas, Manchester College, Class of 2001

this amendment is NOT just for gays read the fine print and see for yourself. the campus would have you believe that their choice was based upon respecing the views of all. However, this proposed amendment will nullify all civil unions or domestic partnerships created. NOT just gays, but others as well. they will lose all benefits they had. Thus, creating even more possible financial instability. Oppose this amendment and do what is write. Join us in standing for what we are entitled to and what our government should have no say in.

We cannot afford to be on the wrong side of history regarding this signature human rights issue of our times.

Love is love. Nobody can define what it is.

I read the official statement that the cabinet released justifying their silence; it did not mollify me. Yes, it is true that it is important for individuals to speak out. But to imply that it is therefore insignificant for Manchester University as an institution to also speak out is inaccurate and ludicrous. Many of Manchester’s current students and potential future students know how it feels to be unable to effectively speak up for themselves—as do countless people across the state, regardless of their affiliation (or lack thereof) with MU. When a publicly-recognized institution takes a stand for justice and equality, it sends a message to those who feel oppressed and wounded by the bigotries of society that there is hope and love in the world. Shame on you for your silence. For the sake of justice and peace, stand up and be heard.

MC class of 2007

Get on the right side of history and do what's right.

2006 graduate

Practice what you preach Manchester.

2009 alumni

2006 Graduate.

Ambiguity is cowardly.

When I heard Manchester was neutral on this issue, I died inside. This school had been so strong and accepting of who I am: Kecia. MU please do not be neutral.

As a Manchester alum, I strongly encourage them to reconsider their decision to maintain a neutral stance toward a discriminatory proposed amendment.

an individual taking a stand against something, while effective, cannot compare to an entire institution taking that same stance

I oppose HJR-6