SWAAN looks to reinforce equality on campus

Students in college tend to group themselves according to their interests. For some people, this could be a struggle.

On our campus, there is an organization that looks to get all types of people together: the Student Welcoming and Affirming Network (SWAAN).

Freshman Ryan Ellis, president of SWAAN, said this is Ottawa University's gay-straight alliance, but that it is also open to those who think that they may be outsiders.

“We like to think of ourselves as a home,” Ellis said. “We will not judge you for who you are and we are more than willing to listen.”

Junior Casey Schappaugh agreed with Ellis.

“I like the fact that SWAAN is a welcoming club for anybody,” Schappaugh said. “You do not have to worry about not fitting in with anyone else. You fit in at SWAAN. It is great for the people who were considered outcasted at other stages of their lives.”

Senior Sarah Carr described SWAAN as a really nice organization in which to take part.

“You do not feel like you have to be a certain way,” Carr said. “You can just be you.”

Ellis said starting a gay-straight alliance on a fairly small campus with student –athlete dominance has been a bit tricky.

“We do not have very many active members, but the members that we have are faithful and attend all events and meetings,” Ellis said. “We are trying to create an environment for people who feel like they aren't expressing who they really are.”

Ellis highlighted that even though they may remain a small group, they are always open for those who wish to join.

Ellis said they have tried to get more people involved in their events by supplying things like drinks and pizza, as well as a movie where the audience could interact with the dialogue, but it was not as popular as they hoped it would be.

“It might have been an off night, but we are determined to try it again,” Ellis said, “This semester we will try another movie night and hopefully it will be a success and shed some light on our group.”

Sarah Carr explained they are trying to broaden their membership by getting other people on campus to know about them.

First, they are thinking about doing a Day of Silence on April 11 for those people that have been bullied.

“We will put tape on our mouths so we do not talk, to honor them,” Carr said. “It will be on campus. We are going to try to sell bows, bracelets and that kind of stuff.”

Casey Schappaugh said they are trying to get more involved with other faculty members because the only real supporter they have is professor Ryan Louis.

Ellis said he was worried when Louis announced the number of hate messages received when the organization was first formed.

Later, he was assured that overall, the hate messages have stopped.

“People were worried about there being a gay-straight alliance on campus when the group was first formed, but over time people began to realize that this group really is important to us.”

Ellis said students and professors open their arms to the group.

“It is a great feeling. When I first enrolled, I was afraid that I may have to hide who I am because of the faith based university setting,” Ellis said. “I was welcomed by SWAAN, as well as the other lovely students and professors that attend this University. I am very thankful for SWAAN and its core group members.”

Finally, Sarah Carr invited everybody on campus to join the organization.

“SWAAN is amazing!” Carr said. “Join us.”

To be part of SWANN, you can contact Ryan Ellis, Sarah Carr or Casey Schappaugh.

Their meetings are on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Bennett Hall lobby.