“We can learn to ignore the bullshit in the Bible about gay people…You can tell the Bible guys in the hall they can come back now because I’m done beating up the Bible. It’s funny to someone who is on the receiving end of beatings that are justified by the Bible how pansy-ass people react when you push back.”

Dan Savage spoke the preceding line at a high school journalism convention in April 2012. As he said this, groups of attendees walked out of the room, most upset and crying. In the same speech, Savage said the following:
“The Bible says if a woman is not a virgin on her wedding night, she shall be dragged to her father’s doorstep and stoned to death. Callista Gingrich still lives.”

Earlier that year, Savage was quoted saying “[Carl Romanelli] should be dragged behind a pickup truck until there’s nothing left but the rope.”

And earlier even, “I wish the Republicans were all f***ing dead.” This coming from the same man who redefined “Santorum” back in 2004.

Earlier this week, Dan Savage spoke on the CWRU campus.

Before I go any further, I should probably clarify why I am bringing all this up. I fully support the efforts that Savage has begun. That any group of citizens is denied equal rights and protections is a tragedy against the U.S. Constitution and all the freedoms that it stands for. Savage’s efforts to end bullying, homophobia and hate echo and make me proud to be an American. However, that the same man can preach against hate, then spew this vitriolic hate speech himself I find insulting and hypocritical.

In late October, Dan Savage’s upcoming visit to CWRU began circulating among the student body. We had recently been named one of the top 25 schools in the country for LGBT rights and his visit seemed to culminate a years-long effort on the part of the university to be at the forefront of social progressivism. The merits of that decision aside, there should have been a more appropriate crowning moment. Bringing to campus perhaps the most hurtful member of the gay rights movement is not the right answer.

When I first heard word of the visit, I was sitting in the Thwing Center minding my own business. I overheard two excited University Program Board members discussing the event. Obviously I waited until the event was confirmed and then the anger began. How could this happen? How could years of successes toward social equality lead to recruiting the most rancorous, hateful and splenetic advocate to speak on campus?

And I expect my words here to cause outcry. I expect angry classmates. I expect spiteful and demonizing glances. I waited until after the talk to bring this issue up for good reason. I support Savage’s ability to say whatever he pleases, no matter the lack of human dignity included in his words. I will never tell him that he cannot say what he wants. Should he say it? No. Can he? Yes.

I am amazed and disappointed though at the outpouring of excitement and support for this talk. Perhaps the students that are excited have never read or heard the hateful statements that have come out of his mouth. Maybe his contributions against bullying have jaded us enough to ignore blatant hate speech and vitriol. Maybe we just do not care.

Last week, this paper published an article explaining how our university booked the illustrious Dan Savage. Apparently, finalists included Savage, as well as pro-skater Tony Hawk and “Science Guy” Bill Nye. Either would have attracted as much, if not more, campus attendance without the remote possibility of backlash. I for one fondly remember growing up, going to elementary school and learning with Bill Nye. And I remember firmly that some of the most popular games to play on the brand new Playstation or Nintendo 64 was one of the Tony Hawk series. What is Dan Savage’s contribution to our lives? Last year’s speaker, Jack Hanna, is a worldwide animal icon. He makes regular appearances on late night television and in zoos across the country. One could argue that he began the worldwide fascination with animals. Again, what is Dan Savage’s contribution to our lives?

The truth is that Dan Savage has no contribution to what we do on a daily basis. Sure, he has helped. His “It Gets Better” project has helped, as part of a larger movement, improve the lives of the underrepresented members of society. But his hateful words and bullying tactics have done nearly as much to justify the viewpoints he fights against.

I for one did not attend the talk on Wednesday. I would not step near the building or even pretend to feign interest in the program. Anyone who inquired as to my attendance before the event got the same answer. But I waited until after the talk occurred to publish this. Anyone who wanted to enjoy the talk should be able to. Anyone indifferent to Savage’s version of advocacy can enjoy his talk without question. Simply put, following the conversation, while attendees are still on the “high” generated by the experience, I thought it necessary and especially proper to call attention to the side of Dan Savage that I’m sure he never mentioned. Dan Savage’s real views on bullying: If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.

Andrew Breland is a double major in political science and English, planning on getting a master’s degree in political science before attending law school. He is the vice president of the Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity and the treasurer of CWRU’s undergraduate mock trial team.