A large question I'm asking myself regarding the discussion surrounding Jason Collins: do I need to allow room for those who believe homosexuality is wrong?
I believe the vast majority of people don't view Jason Collins announcement as a big deal or even a story because they are accepting. Thankfully, this is our society now. Unlike in the 50's and 60's, the opposing view on issues such as these is the one that is shunned. This is called progress. We have done a wonderful job of divorcing ourselves from uninformed hate-filled bigotry. We still have ground to cover but it's better.
It is ignorant to believe that homosexuality is wrong because the Bible says so. The Bible states quite a few things Christians are wise enough to avoid. The reason it is ignorant to believe homosexuality is wrong is because gay people are born that way. Read what they write. Talk to them. Any sensible human with the right amount of information on this topic understands it is no more wrong to be gay than it is to have red hair. It is not a choice.
So why the Bible-clutching fear? To me, the freedom of religion equals the freedom of prejudice. I find it refreshing that this idea is being tolerated less and less. Therefore, I have no qualms about my instincts to not tolerate the opposing view on this particular issue. To quote Thomas Jefferson: "Wouldn't God approve of the homage of reason before that of blindfolded fear?"
In regards to the University of Oregon honoring a state diversity law before hiring a replacement for Chip Kelly, I found this man's quote interesting:
"I think they followed the letter of the law, but not the spirit of the law." -- State Representative Mitch Greenlick
He is right. It seems insulting to African-American coaches to be interviewed so disingenuously. We all know the Ducks already had their man. Yet, what is the solution?
There is no way to fully enforce "real" interviews with minority coaches. We can't put quota's on the number of minorities that must be hired. However, the least we could do is think like Mr. Greenlick and honor the spirit of this law.
In the Ducks case, this would mean keeping an open mind before you hand pick your guy. You can think you have your man in Mark Helfrich but this law is designed to introduce other individuals you may not have previously considered. Why not embrace this? What's wrong with holding off on leaking that Helfrich is the coach in waiting if Chip Kelly were to leave? You never know, you might find the next Mike Tomlin (who isn't a Super Bowl champion head coach if not for the NFL Rooney Rule).
I don't blame Oregon. This isn't malice. This isn't racism. But I do believe that if administrators would really think about why the law exists, they may actually amend the way they go about hiring a head coach. And THIS would be considered progress. Instead, it seems administrators are simply covering their behinds and in some cases even hiring minority coaches over better fits or more qualified candidates. All of this misses the point.
It's really quite simple. Don't appoint a head coach in waiting. Don't do it even if you know you have your guy. Just wait. Conduct interviews with the idea that you never know who else is out there. That's really all the law states. How hard is that?
