and here.)
Hudson Taylor, a straight U. of Maryland wrestling star who founded Athlete Allies to combat the bullying of gay athletes, was disgusted enough after reading a lengthy OutSports post about Ron Brown's history to have started a petition to attempt to persuade NU get rid of a coach he thinks has stepped off the curb once too often.
Below is his Hudson's rationale and the reasons some people, including NU alumni scattered throughout the country, have signed. AKSARBENT has deleted their last names.
On March 6, assistant football coach Ron Brown testified against an Omaha ordinance that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. Brown used his religious beliefs to oppose equality for the LGBT community. You can watch his testimony here.Though we respect Brown’s right to his religious views, the University of Nebraska’s stated anti-discrimination policy prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. Given his testimony in Omaha, we fear that allowing Brown to remain on the University of Nebraska coaching staff may lead to violations of that school policy and send a harmful message to LGBT students and their allies.We believe that a coach at any university must be equipped to mentor and empower a diverse student body, including LGBT individuals, regardless of his or her religious beliefs. Sports are an important part of many individuals’ lives and everyone should feel comfortable accessing them with dignity and respect, regardless of perceived or actual sexual orientation.Interested in other opinions? Check out this op-ed discussing concerns about Brown's testimony.Please join us in calling on the University of Nebraska to stand up against discrimination by cutting ties with Ron Brown.
Hudson Taylor, Executive Director of Athlete Ally
Why People Are Signing
2 days ago
I signed because sports should be a welcome, safe and empowering space for everyone and I believe that begins with supportive coaches.
Victor
about 18 hours ago
'Cause this guy is a homophobic prick and as a black man he should know better than to carry the standard of bigotry.
Kelly
about 1 hour ago
It is time for all coaches to just respect everyone and coach. This man has crossed the line. He is not fit to coach. We do not all have the same religious beliefs. The USA is free for all religions or no religion.
Dr. John
about 9 hours ago
As a proud Ph.D. alumnus of Nebraska, I am aghast that the University tolerates this behavior. As a former Nebraska and current California attorney, I can say that Ron Brown is creating an atmosphere on the team that is probably in violation of several Federal standards and financially threatening to the University. How the University handles this will definitely affect future donations from myself. Dr. John H. Neu
Jacklyn
about 11 hours ago
My father played for the Huskers in the 70's. He would not have stood for this, and neither should any of the current players. This kind of hateful bigotry cannot be tolerated in a nationally sponsored organization like NCAA football. It goes against American core values of tolerance and respect. Come on now. This is a no-brainer.
Brian
14 minutes ago
I'm a native of Nebraska and an alumni that is deeply hurt by the actions of Ron Brown. As fan that watches every Husker game and returned just last year for the Ohio State game, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to support a team where a gay man like me would be ostracized and unwelcome.
Jeremy
about 11 hours ago
As a citizen of the state of Nebraska, and an avid fan of all sports at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, I am apalled that Ron Brown used his position at the university to spew hateful remarks during a city council meeting. I agree that in no way can Ron Brown possible adhere to the university's anti-discrimination policy, and in my opinion has already violated it. It is time for him to go. GO BIG RED!
David
1 day ago
A Public University permitting an employee to voice opinions which directly contradict policy in a public forum is cause for termination of employment. If not, why are those who are tasked with upholding the University's policies still employed themselves?
Bill
about 9 hours ago
I grew up in Nebraska have been a Husker fan for over 50 years. I cannot believe that this team, this school would countenance this kind of narrow-minded bigotry. Brown needs to go. Let him get a job at BYU.
Ron
about 9 hours ago
As an employee of a publicly supported educational institution, one does not get to use one's position at that institution to promulgate his religious views. If he desires to do so he should work for a religious institution.
Teresa
about 7 hours ago
I'm sick and tired of people using religion as a reason for their bigotry. How many young people have been damaged by Ron Brown's "lessons?"
Jessica
about 10 hours ago
As a Nebraskan and a Husker graduate, it sickens me that this man is able to tarnish our reputations with his hatred.
Ronald
about 10 hours ago
As a Nebraska-born educator and alum of both UNL and UNO, I agree that Coach Brown's actions do not allow for a safe, non-discriminatory space on the UNL campus and within the athletic program.
Adio
about 17 hours ago
I'm against discrimination on any level. No H8.
Matt
about 21 hours ago
I'm signing because student athletes should be able to feel like they can be honest about themselves with their teams and educational communities. Prejudice does not belong on a football team at a school that renounces discrimination based on orientation. Mr. Brown should choose a school that shares his opinion.
Bob
about 9 hours ago
Bigots should not be in positions of authority, especially over young people. This man is a disgrace and he needs to go.
Garrett
about 13 hours ago
This would affect my decision on sending my kid there is he decided too....
James
about 9 hours ago
A high profile coach whose own employment is protected by the very non-discrimination policy that he demonstrates his opposition for others, is a very poor role-model indeed.
Carol
1 day ago
In addition to the need for sports to be a safe, welcoming, and empowering space for everyone, I signed because I believe in Freedom From Religion.
Zachary
about 10 hours ago
As a proud alumni of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln it was a low moment for UNL to have an employee publicly display hate & discrimination. Ron Brown is NOT the kind of representation the University needs!
Chris
about 21 hours ago
Intolerance has no refuge on a state funded campus
allllll you saying you are upset at Ron Brown tell us what you say about Professors who diss kids' views in classrooms at the university
ReplyDeleteyou are the ones who scream loudest for tolerance and youuuu are the most intolerant
You will NOT bring Ron Brown down! this is, you who scream for tolerance are are most damned intolerant, your biggest mistake! I just love it since this will blow up in your faces!