Views expressed in letters to Prism are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policies of ASEE. For reaction to the letter below, see “ASEE Presidents Respond to Prism Letter,” and “ASEE Executive Director Apologizes.” Prof. Helmer’s views stand in opposition to ASEE’s commitment to diversity. ASEE’s Diversity Statement is provided here. A photo that accompanied the letter in Prism has been removed in this version. The original letter, published without a disclaimer, drew a substantial number of responses. A link to those letters will appear in this space once the October Prism is posted online.
Is All Diversity Good?
As a member of ASEE for a number of years, I have been rather fascinated by recent diversity articles in Prism and on the website. These commentaries seem to suggest that diversity is to be strongly promoted in education: Any and all diversity is good and therefore should be encouraged. But is it? Is diversity in sexual preference good if:
- the behavior takes 5 to 15 years off of a person’s life expectancy?
- the behavior proliferates sexually transmitted diseases?
- the behavior promotes a sexually promiscuous lifestyle?
- the behavior is addictive and abusive?
We would do well to teach the truth about the homosexual/lesbian/bisexual/transgender lifestyle. These dear people caught up in this destructive way of life need true help and true hope and not encouragement or approval of a detrimental, negative lifestyle. They deserve better than that. This is not God’s plan for their lives.
Beyond the physical, their emotional and spiritual needs are just like ours: Their need for abundant life (emotional) and forgiveness of sins (spiritual) is only what Jesus Christ can give them [John 10:10, 3:16]. Only he can truly change lives and give people the healing and forgiveness and self-worth and significance that they [and we] all desire and need.
And that is the truth all of us need to hear and proclaim and submit to.
Wayne Helmer
P.E., Ph.D.
Professor of Mechanical Engineering,
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, Ark.