Statement from the Penn State CLGBTE on United Way


"Now that the United Way fundraising campaigns on all of the Penn State campuses are in full swing, the Penn State Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equity wishes to inform the Penn State community about some issues of concern to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered (LGBT) and allies community. The United Way chapters in the state support many important and worthwhile service organizations, several of which are providing services to LGBT clients. But many Penn State employees and students object to having any of their contributions to the United Way be given to organizations that blatantly discriminate against LGBT citizens (e.g. the Boy Scouts of America). The United Way chapters in every campus area offer several options to ensure that donations do not go towards those organizations. You can designate on the pledge card one or several specific organizations to receive your contributions. In some parts of the state, on the pledge card you can exclude one or several organizations from receiving any funds from your contribution. Alternatively, you can make a donation directly to the desired organizations, bypassing the United Way donation process entirely. Remember that undesignated contributions to United Way will be divided among ALL of the organizations supported by the local United Way chapter, which may include organizations that have local or nation-wide discriminatory policies. United Way may charge higher administration fees for designated contributions. If in doubt, contact your local United Way representative to discuss the issue."


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