A flier posted all over the main classroom building at Cleveland State University targets the LGBTQ community.
The flier depicts an illustration of a man with a rope tied around his neck. It also gives statistics of what it claims are suicide rates among the LGBT community. It also says in bold letters, "Follow your fellow *expletive*."
The fliers were posted the same day the school opened its first LGBT center, which Eris Eady with the LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland says was a momentous occasion for the community.
"It means once more there are some people who did not have access that now have access to information that may save their life," Eady said.
Eady also pointed out the statistics on the flier are incorrect, and that the suicide rate in the LGBT community is sadly higher.
"The coercion of someone attempting to take their own life, there is no humor in that. There will never be humor in that. There is nothing funny about death," Eady said.
The Queer Student Alliance said school officials have taken the fliers down and are looking into who is behind this.
The university issued the following letter Monday night:
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
At Cleveland State University, our foremost priority is maintaining a welcoming environment that provide opportunities for learning, expression and discourse.
CSU remains fully committed to a campus community that respects all individuals, regardless of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation and other historical bases for discrimination.
CSU also is committed to upholding the First Amendment, even with regard to controversial issues where opinion is divided. We will continue to protect free speech to ensure all voices may be heard and to promote a civil discourse where educational growth is the desired result.
Be assured that a spirit of inclusiveness will always be central to the very identity of our University.
Sincerely,
Ronald M. Berkman, President of Cleveland State University
