This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I am a Brigham Young University graduate and currently on the faculty of Columbia University in New York City. In general, I applaud The Salt Lake Tribune for its high standards and thoughtful writing. In an age where quality journalism is under siege by sloppy thinking and sensationalistic content you've been able to cover sensitive issues related to the LDS faith and BYU in a way that has been appropriately provocative and has led to an increased appreciation of all sides of important questions.
However, Scott Pierce's Oct. 18 article, "Rushing the Field," is not only careless in its assertion that a BYU student used a gay slur on a sign broadcast at a recent football game, but the article itself is also divisive, accusatory and extremely unprofessional in its attempt to sensationalize BYU's nascent efforts to address the vital concerns of LBTQ individuals both in and out of the LDS faith.
First, though Pierce stridently asserts that the sign is unequivocally a gay slur, the Tribune staff has used similar if not identical terminology in recent years in its own copy, including in Pierce's own Twitter account. More important, however, is Pierce's rush to accuse rather than understand. If you assume negative intent in innocent communications you will hinder progress and understanding through more meaningful dialogue.
I have close friends who identify as gay who have attended both BYU and Columbia. In all instances, these individuals have benefited from respect, openness and the benefit of the doubt. I believe that if LDS people, including BYU students, are extended the same courtesy we will all profit from expanded understanding and mutual appreciation.
Tom Hafen
Hackettstown, N.J.