Hello everyone! I am currently a student at USU, the school where Sarkeesian refused to come due to the school's lack of security (load of bollocks). To be honest, I was actually kind of excited to have her visit. As much as I have a general sense of disdain for her, I was interested in hearing what she had to say, and in getting to see her, face-to-audience (I doubt she has enough free time to talk to someone when she doesn't have herself completely prepared).

I'm not entirely certain about the University's stance on the situation, but I have actually just emailed the organization on campus that is responsible for Anita having the scheduled visit. (http://womenandgender.usu.edu) I emailed them specifically regarding the naming of the organization, the exclusive focus of a supposedly equal rights group on women, and I also requested an official statement from them regarding the Sarkeesian event cancellation.

Most students who are aware of the situation are appalled by the threat of violence. The message that was apparently posted was a threat of violence not only on Sarkeesian, but also on students in attendance.

The reason I'm posting this is to have a decent discussion regarding the event. Note that I am not a school representative, I am only a student in this capacity and I am only interested in a fair discussion.

So, what questions or comments do we have regarding the school, the Center for Women and Gender Studies, or the Sarkeesian event? I'm genuinely interested in what the community has to say, but please keep it civil and respectful.

Edit: it's midnight here, and I have work in the morning, but I'll respond to any comments as soon as I receive them. I'm just a college student, so ask away as long as this is visible.

EDIT: Now with proof! http://i.imgur.com/fCCz1yx.jpg Also, email to the CWG!

Hello,

I am a new student at USU. I'm having a hard time understanding what the Center for Women and Gender Studies really is. I understand that the history of the CWG is based in the consolidation of several bodies, but why exactly is the CWG names the Center for Women and Gender Studies? Certainly naming it the Center for Gender Studies would be a more equal naming, and in no way detract from the focus on equality? Rather I think that removing the focus from one specific gender would be beneficial to an organization based on the idea of gender equality.

My concern is that the CWG is not based in the equality of genders simply based on the naming of the organization. It is a simple implication that women take precedence over other gender identifiers. If the purpose of the Center is the bringing forth of struggles faced by oppressed genders, and that oppression is linked to minority status, then certainly it is worth noting that there are roughly 2,200 more women at USU than men, and that the ratio of men to women worldwide is 48% to 52%.

I fully understand that globally, women are largely oppressed by the cultures they live in and the men they live with. But this is not the case in the United States, or in any of the Major Powers. In fact, we are starting to see a disturbing trend of men having their rights overlooked in favor of women, as is the case in many on site police responses to domestic disturbances, as well as court rulings in favor of women in cases concerning custody disputes. Yet I see no mention of it anywhere on the CWG's website. In fact, I see nothing on the website in the interest of actual gender equality, rather I only see things in support of women and equality only as it concerns women.

I'm also very sorry about Ms Sarkeesian being unable to present at the TSC. I was looking forward to attending the talk, but as I understand it, there was a threat of violence and a pleasant storm concerning concealed carry and the legality therein. I'm curious as to if there is an official statement yet, as I haven't been able to find anything on the USU website.

One last thing, I experienced a glitch on the FAQ page. (http://womenandgender.usu.edu/faq.html) This glitch would not allow me to view the categories below "Which college are you in?". I understand this isn't something you can help with immediately, I just wanted to make you aware of this. I did try the website using various browsers and following a cache clear.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Respectfully yours,

[Redacted]