Background: A disturbing memo was recently sent to all Kansas regents universities. The request, made by two Kansas legislators is for each university to forward a list of all courses containing content related to homosexuality and bisexuality. What the legislators intend to do with such information is unknown at this time. However, the request is highly unusual, and raises serious questions as to why such information would be requested. This is an election year...
At the very least, this request is an intrusion into academic freedom. At worst, it is a chilling portent of possible legislative action. It is possible that a "secret" last-minute rider might be added to the state educational funding bill which could infringe on freedom of speech and further dehumanize gays and lesbians in the state of Kansas. Below are reports on the situation as it unfolds....
Monday 2-23-98
Information on legislative research requests
A KSU departamental response
Another KSU departmental reponse
KU's response
Emporia State reponse
Tuesday 2-24-98
KSU Collegian Article on Controversy
Legislative information
Wednesday 2-25-98
University Daily Kansan (KU) article on situation
Which legislator might be behind this?
Chronicle of Higher Education article
Thursday 2-26-98
University Daily Kansan followup article
Update from FHSU
Commentary on situation from a KU staffer
Information on past history of legislative attempts to attack gays at KSU and KU
Friday 2-27-98
A press release summing up the story so far
PlanetOUT News Service story on this issue
Topeka Capital-Journal story on the controversy
Letter in the KSU Collegian
Kansas City Star article
Saturday 2-28-98
Followup in KC Star with governor's comments
Monday 3-2-98
Letter in University Daily Kansan
Tuesday 3-3-98
"Several Courses Left Out of Study" from UDK special
"Schools Answer Content Request" from UDK special
"Sexuality issues arise at Med Center" from UDK special
Right-wing commentary from UDK special
Letter in Daily Kansan
Emporia State also proects gays