Statement by the Advisory Board of the GLBT Student Support Services Office at Indiana University regarding the murder of Prof. Don Belton

“The Advisory Board of the GLBT Student Support Services at IU collectively mourns the loss of Don Belton, a valuable member of the IU scholarly community as well as the larger community, and an important contributor to LGBT life. In his literary voice as in his daily life, Prof. Belton was an inspirational figure for all those working for increased respect for LGBT people of color. We both celebrate Don's life and acknowledge the deep loss created by his death. We recognize the insidious nature of homophobia and condemn every instance in which its rhetoric speaks in the voice of the government, the courts, the military, and even religious institutions. Homophobia is a fear that poisons love and shuts it down in hatred, and is too often used to justify unjustifiable actions. In Don’s honor, we pledge to continue working to reverse this process, to teach and embody the strength that comes from loving without fear in a community that supports intellectual growth and interpersonal connection.”

Susan Seizer, Associate Professor, Dept. of Communication & Culture

Angela Courtney, Head, Dept. of Arts and Humanities, IUB Libraries

Andrew J. Shea, Ph.D. HSPP, Director of Training, Counseling & Psychological Services

Helen Harrell, Administrative Manager & Schedule Officer, African Studies Program, OUT Advisor

Rex Sprouse, Ph.D, Dept. of Germanic Studies and Dept. of Second Language Studies

Anthony Duncan, undergraduate student

Gopinaath Kannabiran, graduate student, Dept. of Informatics

Julia Napolitano, undergraduate student

Bill Shipton, Director for Student Programs & Services, RPS

Bethany Lister, staff, International Programs

George Pinney, Ph.D, Dept. of Theatre and Drama

Beth Ellis, Realtor

Amy Ira, staff, Student Enrollment Services

Kim Kushner, graduate student, HESA

Carolyn Wiethoff, Ph.D, Kelley School of Business

Laura Scheiber, Ph.D, Dept. of Anthropology

Dan Murphy, Office of First Year Experience Programs

Melanie J. Payne, Associate Director - First Year Experience Programs, Director - New Student Orientation

Doug Bauder, Coordinator, GLBT Student Support Services

Carol Fischer, Office Assistant, GLBT Student Support Services