American River College was a microcosm of California politics Tuesday as students clashed over a statewide ballot measure banning gay marriage.
The scene had all the trappings of politics: banners, buttons, T-shirts, speeches, a sign-waving rally and an standing-room-only council meeting.
"It's definitely getting more students involved in campus politics and national and state politics," said Kristin Gassner, 25-year-old anthropology major.
At an Oct. 1 meeting, the student council voted 8-3 with three abstentions to endorse Proposition 8, the initiative on the Nov. 4 ballot that would change the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage. The resolution is believed to be the first of its kind at a California college.
Students opposed to the council's action quickly gathered the 200 signatures needed to force a recall of nine of the 15 council members. The date of the recall vote has not been set for the campus of 37,500 students.
Tuesday's political activity was passionate – but mostly civil – as students voiced their opinions about the council's vote and the initiative, which is trailing statewide by 17 percentage points, according to a Sept. 18 Field Poll.
Councilman Tim Richey led a midafternoon recall rally.
"It's called the student association of American River College, not the Christian association of American River College," Richey said as he asked others to join him to recall the council members supporting Proposition 8.
At the rally, the two sides traded barbs over which side was being intolerant.
"I didn't come out of the closet … to be pushed back in by hate," said Manny Joslyn, an 18-year-old nursing student who said she planned to marry her girlfriend.
Yuriy Popko, 22, speaking on behalf of more than a dozen people supporting Proposition 8, said duly elected council members shouldn't be recalled for voting their conscience.
"We are tolerant of them," he said. "Why can't they be tolerant of us? There is discrimination against us because we believe in marriage."
Gabrielle Finney, 19, said the issue has been disruptive. "It makes the campus more hostile," Finney said. "It's not a school issue."
The rally was followed by a packed-to-the-brim council meeting where last week's debate was rehashed by roughly three dozen speakers and then the council.
Student Tyler Elston said he drew the line at the council taking a position on such a sensitive issue.
"It's OK for them to have their opinion, but when they're trying to say it's my opinion – they're trippin'."
Call The Bee's Ed Fletcher, (916) 321-1269.
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.