2008 Woodie Awards
Blood banks:To ban or not to ban?
Rick Luttmann
Issue date: 3/18/08 Section: Editorial
Over the last couple of weeks there has been widespread discussion on the campus and in the local press about the question whether blood banks should be allowed to continue operating on the campus, given that they violate the University's policy on Non-Discrimination by prohibiting participation by gay males.
The Sonoma State University Policy on Non-Discrimination (Updated June 15, 2007) is very clear. Here are some excerpts:
I. INTRODUCTION
Sonoma State University is committed to providing an environment free of discrimination and/or sexual harassment…. Discrimination and sexual harassment interfere with educational performance and work, and create an atmosphere of intimidation, low morale and hostility that the University will not tolerate. …
II. THE POLICY
Sonoma State University and its auxiliary organizations (hereon referred to as the University) support an environment free of unlawful discrimination in any of the University's programs or activities of education and employment. Accordingly, discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual harassment and sexual assault), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability, medical condition and covered veteran status is prohibited. …
The University recognizes that under certain circumstances, it has an independent duty to ascertain where discrimination and/or sexual harassment exist irrespective of whether a complaint is actually filed.
Here are responses to some Frequently-Asked Questions:
Q:Aren't the blood banks responsible for ensuring the safety of the blood supply? Aren't they therefore justified in excluding groups that might have contaminated or diseased blood?
A: The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is charged with, among other things, regulating blood banks for the purpose of protecting the health and safety of the nation's blood supply. The blood banks are required to follow the edicts of this agency.
The Sonoma State University Policy on Non-Discrimination (Updated June 15, 2007) is very clear. Here are some excerpts:
I. INTRODUCTION
Sonoma State University is committed to providing an environment free of discrimination and/or sexual harassment…. Discrimination and sexual harassment interfere with educational performance and work, and create an atmosphere of intimidation, low morale and hostility that the University will not tolerate. …
II. THE POLICY
Sonoma State University and its auxiliary organizations (hereon referred to as the University) support an environment free of unlawful discrimination in any of the University's programs or activities of education and employment. Accordingly, discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual harassment and sexual assault), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability, medical condition and covered veteran status is prohibited. …
The University recognizes that under certain circumstances, it has an independent duty to ascertain where discrimination and/or sexual harassment exist irrespective of whether a complaint is actually filed.
Here are responses to some Frequently-Asked Questions:
Q:Aren't the blood banks responsible for ensuring the safety of the blood supply? Aren't they therefore justified in excluding groups that might have contaminated or diseased blood?
A: The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is charged with, among other things, regulating blood banks for the purpose of protecting the health and safety of the nation's blood supply. The blood banks are required to follow the edicts of this agency.
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