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Mondav, October 29, 1990 / University Daily Kansan
Steve Gullett, Springfield, Mo., spokesperson of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, tells of "White Power" at Sequoia Park in Springfield.
Robin Ferry
Ku Klux Klan protesters gather to voice disapproval of Klan views.
Protests meet rally of KKK members
The Associated Press
SPRINGFIELD. Mo. — A crowd of 250 people踞ed and taunted more than 30 Klu Klan members. Lareday Saturday in a Springfield park.
Police went into the crowd several times to break up arguments between Klan supporters and opponents. Nearly 30 police officers were involved, and everyone attending the rally had to pass through a metal detector.
Police Lt. Hal Smith said two people were arrested — one man for possessing drug paraphernalia and another for interfering with an officer who tried to reach a man in the crowd who set fire to Klan leaflets.
The rally was organized by the Knights of the Ku Klu Klan, based in Harrison, Ark. Klan officials said洪水袭击Missouri, Arkansas and Illinois.
While the Klaian killed, more than 400 people filled the First Congregational Church across town for a day. The church is by the NAACP and local churches.
More than 30 men and women Klan members stood at the base of a limestone bluff about 40 feet from the crowd, which was kept behind police barricades. Three Klanmen wore black hoods and painted white robes and pointed hoods.
The four Klan officials who spoke during the two-hour rally were interrupted frequently by the crowd. Demonstrators waved signs and shouted "Go home!" and "No more hate!"
Mayor Tom Carlson told an overflowing crowd at the church that there was no place in Springfield for bake and baggy, promoted by the Klan.
Speakers Bureau lets GLSOK meet students
By Monica Mendoza
Kansan staff writer
Gay and Lesbian Services of Kansas members have made education about gay and lesbian experiences through their Speakers Bureau.
The Speakers Bureau was organized more than 10 years ago to try to eliminate homophobia, said Jarrod Brown. Speakers Bureau coordinator It was organized by GLSOK to get gay and lesbian students in contact with other students so they could talk about issues facing gays and lesbians.
Brown said that every semester, letters that explained Speakers Bureau were sent to sociology and social psychology instructors.
"Instructors call us and let us know when they want us to come in." Brown said.
Last week, members of GLSOK spoke to 18 social psychology discussion groups.
"We talk a little about the organization, let people know about peer counseling, talk about what it was like to come out, and then open it up to questions." Brown said.
Peer counseling is a service that trains GLOSK members to talk to anyone who wants to discuss gay and lesbian issues. Brown said.
He said there was minimal training for Speakers Bureau because most of the discussions were about feelings and were a chance for students to become acquainted with each other.
"We talk about anything, except questions about religion." he said. "That usually takes up too much time."
Brown said that sometimes he felt nervous when he was put on the spot by a question.
"in some ways, a negative question gives you a chance to turn the tables." he said. "I don't get it," his ignorance I stay very calm."
Allison Failing, member of GLASK, said that when she conducted a discussion, she would tell students something such as a stupid question.
"But I'm not afraid to tell someone if I think their question was inappropriate," she said.
She said, for some students, it was the first time they had talked to someone who was gay or lesbian. It was an opportunity to break down the stereotypes of gays and lesbians.
"I like to see their expressions when normal, everyday people walk in," Failing said.
Tanya Hoffman, who listened to Speakers Bureau representatives in a social psychology class, said that many of the stereotypes of gays or lesbians
Hoffman, Ornada, Neh., junior,
shed she thought the purpose of
having the speakers in her class
was to teach them how to use
case unnecessary fears.
"I thought it was important for them to talk to us," she said. "Maybe some people got a new perspective about them."
Crimes of prejudice increase as economy falls, experts say
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Crimes motivated by racial, religious and cultural prejudice are increasing and likely will escalate faster if the nation's economy continues to deteriorate, experts say.
1989.
Ross said the league received reports of anti-Semitic incidents on six college and university campuses in 1984. The figure increased to 51 in
"As economic conditions decline, the civility of society declines also." Jeffrey Ross, director of campus affairs for the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, told a conference at the Washington Journalism Center.
"Things seem to be heating up," he said.
Other experts at the conference agreed that incidents of bigotry are increasing and are likely to be stimulated by a declining economy.
Some attribute it to the pressure of competition for jobs among Blacks. Whites and other racial or religious groups.
"The increase in anti-Semitism is clearly related to an increase in bigotry in general on campus." Ross said. "You also have increased num- turm of Jews upon Blacks, upon Hispanics, upon Asians, upon gays and lesbians."
Happy Halloween Ghouls & Boos