Every American has a right to be a part of an institution, regardless of his or her sexual orientation, civil rights activist James Dale argued in a talk with students at the Curry Student Center Ballroom Thursday night. Dale discussed his discrimination from the Boy Scouts of America during the event, which was organized by the Northeastern University Allied Students Coalition (NUASC).
Dale, who was forced out of his position as an assistant scout master with the Boy Scouts because he was gay, took the organization to court over discrimination in 1990 and fought until 2000 when the Supreme Court finally shot down his case in a five to four decision.
“Even his defeat is a personal triumph because it drew attention to the issues,” said NUASC President Brian Cox. “It’s difficult in the wake of such opposition to remain so optimistic. I think he injected some much needed optimism into our group.”
Upon learning Dale was a homosexual in a newspaper article, Boy Scouts of America officials sent him a letter stating this way of life went against what the organization wanted to promote. Dale, who had achieved the status of Eagle Scout at the age of 18 and had been with the organization for a dozen years, said he was shocked something he had come to love had turned him away because he was different.
“I just wanted a place to fit in,” Dale said.
NUASC, which represents diversity in the Northeastern community, also hosted Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard, a gay man who was the victim of a hate crime in 1998. Both Shepard and Dale stand against discrimination, an outlook NUASC strongly supports.
“I thought [Dale] articulated a lot of the sentiment our organization stands for,” Cox said. “I think he said things in a way that touched people on a personal level.”
Dale also discussed the right of same sex marriages being another important step toward equality, saying that the argument over it will be a subject in history books one day.
In fact, history may be made in the near future. As of May 17, Massachusetts is set to become the first state in the nation to allow same sex marriages.
“Britney Spears, for 55 hours, can get married,” Dale said, “but two women who have been together their whole lives can’t?”
About plans for marriage of his own, Dale said he doesn’t intend to make a decision like that anytime soon, but as would anyone, he would like the option.
“I think it’s really important for the promotion of gay rights and that the issue should stay out there,” said Erica Spry, a freshman psychology major, on the pending institution of gay marriage.
Dale encouraged all students to be proud of themselves and their beliefs.
“To lead your life with integrity and to stand up is not easy, but I can tell you, it is fulfilling,” he said.
Dale said he just wants the civil recognition of being no less than anyone else. And he wants that for everyone.
“It’s not about gay Boy Scouts, it’s not about gay marriage; it’s about Boy Scouts, it’s about marriage,” Dale said. “It’s about equality.”
