Princeton students protest ‘Jeans Solidarity Day’
The Layman Online, April 9, 1999
Church and Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Concerns (CLBGC) has planned a weeklong “BGLAD” celebration at Princeton Theological Seminary that includes a “Jeans Solidarity Day.”
The day, says CLGBC is scheduled “as an enacted prayer” to “affirm our inclusive embrace of all Christians, including those who are lesbian, gay, and bisexual.”
Enough is enough
Enough is enough, says an ad-hoc group of students who have protested the wearing of jeans to express solidarity with the gay and lesbian activists, since jeans are everyday wear and should not be used to make political and sexual commentary.
“Everybody is going to be looking at your pants,” said a student who asked not to be identified. The individual further noted that while everything else planned for the week is voluntary, the jeans solidarity day coerces everyone into participating.
About 100 students and faculty members have signed petitions opposing, not BGLAD Week, but the solidarity apparel.
BGLAD week activities
Jeans Solidarity Day ends BGLAD week activities, scheduled by CLBGC April 12-19.
According to The Wineskin, a publication distributed to faculty, staff and students at the seminary, a presentation entitled “How does the Bible inform our discussion of homosexuality,” will be offered April 12 by Nancy Duff, associate professor of theological ethics; Daniel L. Migliore, the Charles Hodge professor of systematic theology; and Mark Taylor, associate professor of theology and culture.
On April 13, “Pastoral issues regarding gay, lesbian, and bisexual teens” will be presented by Donald E. Capps, the William Harte professor of pastoral theology; Louie Crew, associate professor of English at Rutgers University; and Scott Asalone of Health Interested Teens Own Program on Sexuality, a non-profit community based clinic and education center.
“Same Sex Union: The Hudson River Presbytery Case Study” will be held April 15 in the main lounge. It will be presented by members of Hudson River Presbytery.
Be Glad and Dance! Dance! Dance! will also be held on April 15 in the Mackay Dining Room.
A special worship service will be held in the Miller Chapel on April 19, which is also Jeans Solidarity Day. Scotty deJesus Utz will preach. The flier invites all to “Come and worship in the Seminary’s unified diversity.”