University of Central Oklahoma
TUESDAY January 21, 1997
The Student Voice Since 1903
Sexual subject matter evokes student walk-out spring
This raised questions of censorship. "I like the classroom to mirror society. What becomes problematic is if you're intersession course, shut out from speaking," said Kleeman. "I think that in any kind of class that Gender Communication, was designed to explore issues presents any kind of alternative lifestyle related to gender in our culture. But you're going to have a select group that videos depicting homosexuality and disagrees and is uncomfortable," he cross-dressing offended some students said. Kleeman told the class based on his so much that two of them walked out of personal experience, he was not the class. The new course covered topics surprised there was some resistance to including male/female the subject in the classroom because it is communication, media influence, biological a sensitive issue in Learning to tolerate today's culture. aspects of human Wardrope said he sexuality, and sexual differences was a great orientation origins and opportunity in this thought the controversy was a sign that these discrimination. class. The class was teamissues need to be talked taught by UCO assistant —Dr. Kole Kleeman about. professors Dr. William Kleeman agreed that UCO assistant professor Wardrope and Dr. Kole the class had some very Kleeman, both of the Oral rich discussions. "If we'd all agreed on things, then the Communications Department. After viewing back-to-back video class wouldn't have been as effective," presentations portraying cross-dressers he said. "Learning to tolerate differences was a and homosexual lifestyles, several of the 60 students left the class to complain to great opportunity in this class." Not all students were disgruntled by Dr. Barbara A. Norman, chairperson of the course topics. the Oral Communications Department. "I just got tired of seeing the videos Scott Johnson, a public relations on cross-dressing and homosexuals," student, said he enjoyed the class and did said Richmond Logan, who attended the not find it offensive at all. "It changed my perception of how the class. "It isn't what I thought the class should be like. media portrays gender in this culture," "I think that if it's against what I said Johnson. Despite the controversy, the professors believe in, I shouldn't have to listen to it. said the course was an overall success. "It was the first time we've ever done The complaints resulted in the class being divided into two groups to give it," said Wardrope. "I think that they (the those uncomfortable with the subject students) had maybe two sets of matter an alternative topic for that day. expectations."
By Rhonda Bowden Staff Writer
I do... UCO employee Karen Haley exits the YChapel after exchanging vows with Edmond resident Jack Weathers. The couple was married at 3 p.m. Sunday. (Staff photo by John Clanton)
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INSIDE TODAY INDEX Editorial 2 Letters 2 Sports 8,9 Around Campus 14 Word Game 14 Classifieds 15
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PAY INCREASE Full-time UCO employees receive a 3 percent pay increase.
AFRICAN ART More 1 1 than 100 pieces of African art are on display at UCO's Museum of Art.
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FEATURE Attorney turned author credits UCO for her success in a new profession.