Philosophy
The Supreme Court is hearing a case today about the right to exclude. The University of California's Hastings Law School has an "all comers" policy in which groups can receive school recognition and a small budget by applying and meeting certain criteria, among them is that the group be open to everyone. The campus chapter of the Christian Legal Society joined the national organization and thereby wrote into their charter that gay men, lesbians, and anyone advocating premarital sex could not join. They were then removed from the list of groups receiving school recognition and funding.
Among their arguments is that this is challenging their right of assembly. Of course, it isn't, it is challenging their right to assemble with public funding, but it raises an interesting question. Is there a difference between discrimination and exclusivity?
Fraternities and sororities would violate an "all comers" clause on gender grounds and because they disallow belonging to more than one Greek organization. But what about sports teams, honor societies, or plays? Does the fact that everyone can try out mean that it is not discriminatory even though it is exclusive?
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Philosophy
Discrimination and Exclusivity
The Supreme Court is hearing a case today about the right to exclude. The University of California's Hastings Law School has an "all comers" policy in which groups can receive school recognition and a small budget by applying and meeting certain criteria, among them is that the group be open to everyone. The campus chapter of the Christian Legal Society joined the national organization and thereby wrote into their charter that gay men, lesbians, and anyone advocating premarital sex could not join. They were then removed from the list of groups receiving school recognition and funding.
Among their arguments is that this is challenging their right of assembly. Of course, it isn't, it is challenging their right to assemble with public funding, but it raises an interesting question. Is there a difference between discrimination and exclusivity?
Fraternities and sororities would violate an "all comers" clause on gender grounds and because they disallow belonging to more than one Greek organization. But what about sports teams, honor societies, or plays? Does the fact that everyone can try out mean that it is not discriminatory even though it is exclusive?
- Looking For A Silver Lining
Been some interesting goings on these last couple weeks on the equality front. The good news is that gay marriage has finally come to the nation's capital. In it's wake, we've seen those trying to deny equal treatment under the law take a...
- It's "madness" For Sure
"College Sports Spending: The Real March Madness? by Sean Gregory March 21st, 2013 Time Who pays the bills for college sports? At most public institutions, it’s students and taxpayers. And in an era of rising tuition costs, and economic uncertainty,...
- Colorado Showdown On "transgenderism"
"Dispute on Transgender Rights Unfolds at a Colorado School" by Dan Frosch March 17th, 2013 The New York Times Coy Mathis was born a boy. But after just a few years, biology succumbed to a more powerful force. A buzz cut grew into long hair. Jeans gave...
- Genetic Mishap And Bathroom Privileges
Now the ethics and the well-being of a child will be up to the courts. Things just get more complicated. "Colorado parents of transgender 1st-grader file complaint over restroom ban" by Colleen O'Connor February 27th, 2013 The Denver Post The parents...
- "slaughterhouse Five"...nostalgia From Ken Paulson
Kurt Vonnegut "'Slaughterhouse Five' ban should make school blush" by Ken Paulson August 15th, 2011 USA TODAY It's rare that book banning makes me nostalgic. Yet the news last month that the Republic, Mo., school board...