Waldorf's Gay-Straight Alliance Gets Top Honors
Forest City, IA- One of Waldorf College's student organization is getting top honors.
The Iowa Pride Network is recognizing its Gay-Straight Alliance. It's for their work toward making same-sex couples more accepted. They are the only college in the state to recieve the award. This is their first year on campus.
When some Waldorf Students wanted to start up the group, they knew exactly who to go to.
"Asked me to be in a leadership position because they were kind of afraid of starting on here," said Jessica Schiermeister, Waldorf student.
At first, Schiermeister had her reservations. That's because of an experience in high school.
"We tried to start one there and it didn't fly," said Schiermeister.
The Waldorf student says the college atmosphere didn't seem to fit with the goals of a Gay-Straight Alliance. The groups advisor felt the same way. Nicole Lovik-Blaser says they tried starting a similar group years ago but due to discrimination and ridicule they were forced out.
"They actually all decided to transfer to other colleges who were maybe more accepting," said Lovik-Blaser.
Lovik-Blaser says the Gay-Straight Alliance has come along way. Not everyone has been welcoming to the student organization.
"Being at a Lutheran based college, we've had some opposition. We have had a few peaceful protests," said Lovik-Blaser.
The groups president says they've had enough support to keep them going. She believes Iowa's Supreme court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage is only going to help spread acceptance.
"We all felt the victory we all walking around and like way to go Iowa very excited," said Schiermeister.
Schiermeister knows all the arguements against the issue but says groups like GSA will only help obtain rights for same sex couples. She sees a bright future for her organization.
