Jay Barth's Objectives are Clear -- Are Yours?

In February, the American Family Coalition blog asked what is "Jay Barth's Objective." Previously, a blog and the Arkansas News identified Barth as "one of the most liberal" in Arkansas politics and "openly gay." Dr. Jay Barth is a professor at Hendrix College in both the Politics and Gender Studies departments and a faculty member of the Clinton School of Public Service. He is the faculty advisor for the Unity/LGBSA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Straight Alliance), Young Democrats, and Pre-Law Society and has been noted by the Committee on Lesbian & Gay History

At the 2006 Arkansas Democrat State Convention, Barth chaired the platform committee that led in facilitating the removing of the "marriage plank" from the Arkansas Democrat Platform. The affirmative statement that "marriage is between a man and a woman" has been deleted! Barth's objectives are not unknown. He takes political and community actions that move Arkansas more to the "liberal" left. The days of the Arkansas conservative democrat may be are numbered.

To Barth's credit, his viewpoint and agenda are not hidden. He is totally "out" in both his lifestyle and beliefs. Read his publications and review his courses. He and others at Hendrix College have shifted their academic community closer to their worldview. To help understand Barth's vision for Arkansas' future, read what he wrote about Hendrix College on PlanetOut.com:

"I'm writing to nominate the place where I have taught for the last seven years. Hendrix may really be the most friendly and affirming school for GLBT students in the South. It truly is an island. There is a GLBT student group at Hendrix that is quite active, .... The GLB students at Hendrix tend to be incredibly well-integrated into the larger student body.... In recent years, the majority of student body presidents have been openly gay or lesbian and sexual orientation simply isn't an issue in most aspects of life at Hendrix where a large percentage of the student body is out. A few social events on campus are heterosexist, but that is really the exception. GLBT studies is part of a larger Gender Studies program. While the established course offerings on GLBT issues are not large (though I do teach a very popular Gender, Sexuality, and American Politics course), students do often set up independent studies related to GL issues. -- Dr. Jay Barth, Associate Professor, Department of Politics"

What is the lesson to be learned? First, don't criticize Barth; his objective are "in the open" even though the press may not be reporting on Barth's objectives for Arkansas' future. Second, get busy! If you are a conservative, pro-life, traditional family value person, come "out" and take a public stand and work diligently to support your viewpoint regardless of your allegiance to a particular political party.

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Tags: Jay Barth, political activist, objectives clear, Arkansas,Democrat Party, GLBT agenda, August, 2006 To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!