LGVMA's GOOD NEWS!
originally printed in April 1999 issue

Laying the Groundwork at Ross

Ross University, an international veterinary university, is located on St. Kitts Island in the West Indies. Students first complete seven semesters on a trimester program at Ross University and then enter a year of clinical training at one of the many contracted AVMA-accredited universities in the United States.

Together with its sister island, Nevis, St Kitts comprises their own independent country. With St. Kitts’ limited size (15 x 18 miles) and unique culture, support for alternative lifestyles both on the island and campus was obviously absent. This created the need for a group on campus with a supportive atmosphere, an environment in which people could freely discuss their lives and offer support to others whom felt they were the only ones of their sexuality on campus.

As a result, an organization under the name of Spectrum was established in the fall of 1998. Although the school's administration has been supportive from the beginning, there was some initial opposition from the student body. Students voiced concerns as to whether a specific social organization such as Spectrum belonged on the campus of a professional university. Since then, Spectrum has rapidly become a more accepted presence on campus.

Spectrum is an organization open to anyone who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, or gay-friendly. Our goal is to provide a supportive atmosphere as well as to educate and integrate the student body. Some of our social events have thus far included: day trips around St. Kitts and Nevis, movie nights, and potluck dinners. Recently, the Student Government has allotted space on the Activities Board for Spectrum.

Currently we are working on a poster that will represent our group and hang in the Student Union with the other organizations of campus. Although Spectrum is a new organization, we are making positive strides towards becoming an organization that is more readily acceptable on campus and making a difference in the lives of many individuals.

Jessica Tartof,
Ross University