[Winona] United Way and Equal Protection

[Bob Sebo]

This is really getting to be a canard for the United Way.  There are many excuses as to why one does not support a charitable cause, but alleging United Way endorsement of discrimination is nonsense.  We have a strong anti-discrimination policy in place, including protections for GLBT persons.   The scouts...I know.  We cut a deal because it was in everyones' best interests to do so.  We told them that we understand that they are choosing to defend a moral stance, endorsed by federal legal findings, that we disagree with.  They told us they understand that we will not tolerate discrimination in our local service area.  We document this "understanding" on an annual basis.  The Boy Scouts have told us discrimination is not occurring in the Winona area, and that's where the rubber meets the road for me...because I think scouting does a lot of good, and while this homophobia is not productive, I don't think they spend a lot of time on it in group activities.   The deal says we will fund you as long as we have no complaints.  We have had no complaints from any individual alleging mistreatment by area councils.   This concern on the part of Dean and others troubles me personally.  More important than pieces of paper and words written on them are the people who maintain oversight and manage United Way.  I challenge anyone to say that I would not defend to the best of my ability, as Board President of the United Way, the rights of GLBT people.  Discrimination will not occur on my watch.   Please visit a Giving Tree...there is time left for you to make a difference.  And if you are able, please support the 2003 campaign, as well.   Bob Sebo Winona