Before writing this letter, I had to compose myself. I needed to find the right words to express the disappointment in Mayor Brandon Bochenski's choice of words via Facebook following a proposed policy by University of North Dakota officials. The UND policy offers inclusion to the LGBTQ+ community and recognizes students' preferred gender pronouns and names.
The apology by Bochenski given to the community during Tuesday night's City Council meeting is a step in the right direction toward acceptance and tolerance of the LGBTQ+ in Grand Forks. I am happy that community members showed up and bravely shared their stories for the city to record. It's a big step for people to see and hear their neighbors and friends who may not share the same sexual orientation or identity as them. I hope those who supported Bochenski's words were listening on Tuesday night.
The addition of the policy does not spit in the face of the friendly and inclusive Grand Forks community that Bochenski mentioned in his Facebook post. It's strictly an assurance for those that want to attend a world-class institution in North Dakota that others will accept them and they'll be safe on campus despite having different orientations.
In his mayoral position, Bochenski has an opportunity to show those that do not support these ideas what it is to be an ally to the impacted community. It's not about being woke; it's about being a good and loving human being. It's about following in the footsteps of Christ if that's what one believes in: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." John 13:34
The UND hockey team, which Bochenski was a part of, prides itself on its rich and proud tradition as a championship program. Part of that culture, according to a page on FightingHawks.com, is the "commitment to being a well-rounded person." Well, it's time to open up and accept these new civil rights for LGBTQ+ students because "through these doors walk champions."
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Matt Scheerer, Moorhead, Minn., formerly of Grand Forks
