UA tackles alleged homophobia, racism

Incidents of racist and homophobic behavior "are not hard to find on Penn Athletic teams," according to an Undergraduate Assembly proposal passed Sunday night.

The UA passed the proposal in support of Penn Athletes and Allies Tackling Homophobia and Heterosexism, a group that is bringing its own suggestions before the University Council, a school-wide advisory body, later this week.

Both the UA and PATH proposals urge the Athletic Department to institute a program that will address "issues of race, gender and sexual orientation."

It has "great intent and already has [the] Student Athletics Advisory Council's approval, which means a credible organization within athletics supports it," said UA Vice Chairman of External Affairs and College junior Jason Karsh.

Also from the UA this week:

On the heels of a successful proposal to institute a "Sober Living Program" - designed to provide a residence program for students recovering from substance-abuse issues - the UA passed a Substance-Free Housing proposal.

The proposal seeks to create a residential program in which non-drinkers can "get together in a safe, friendly environment and engage in social activities," said UA member and College freshman Enoch Arthur-Asmah, who spearheaded the proposal.

"I heard a lot at New Student Orientation that [14 percent of Penn undergraduates] don't drink," Arthur-Asmah said. "But if you don't drink, you feel kind of ostracized. Why can't we a recognize a diversity of social activities at Penn?"

The UA unveiled the final version of its shuttle-bus program for students going home by plane for Thanksgiving. Students can now go to the PennCard office - located on the first floor of the Franklin Building - and pre-register for a place on the buses.

The cost is $3 per person. The buses will run from campus to the airport on Tuesday, Nov. 21, and Wednesday, Nov. 22.

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