A University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire professor sent a homophobia laden email to a student that was organizing the Eau Queer Film Festival, a LGBT film festival in Eau Claire. Information Systems Department Chair Tom Hilton sent the following email (PDF):

I urge you to reconsider your plan to advertise last summer’s San Francisco gay pride event.

Born and raised in the San Francisco Area, I was sad to see the problems of prejudice and discrimination my gay friends endured, but I also see quite clearly that homosexual behavior damages its participants, their loved ones, and the communities that sanction it.

I applaud reminders that people who identify themselves as gay or lesbian are people, fellow humans who deserve affection and respect.

However, I decry attempts to legitimize their addictions and compulsions. These, our fellow humans, deserve our best efforts to help them recover their lives. We only hurt them further when we choose to pretend that these walking wounded are OK the way they are, that their present injuries are the best they can hope for in life.

Your friend,

Dr. H

Tom Hilton, IS Department Chair, UW-Eau Claire

Hilton later apologized for sending out the email and the university is investigating the matter.