The Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, or FMLA, is a nationwide organization devoted to advancing the cause of women’s rights, and Salt Lake Community College is now hosting its newest chapter.
Club president Ericha Schlehuber wants students to know that feminist isn’t a bad word. She is aware of the many negative stereotypes surrounding the movement. To Schlehuber, feminism shouldn’t be equated with misandry. In fact, according to Schlehuber, misandry discounts feminism.
“There is no room for hatred in feminism,” Schlehuber says.
To many members of the movement, Schlehuber asserts, feminism is synonymous with egalitarianism, the belief that all humans are equal in fundamental worth.
The Feminist Majority, the group FMLA takes its name from, describes a goal in which a majority of society can be considered feminists, a truly equal civilization in which individuals are promoted based solely on merit.
That is a long-term goal. This semester Schlehuber seeks to promote the injustice in society. The best way to do this is through education, and the best way to gain a quality, balanced, and truthful education on the topic of feminism, is to join the FMLA.
For female students who feel they haven’t been given a fair shot, or feel disrespected and discouraged from succeeding because of their gender, the FMLA is a place to discuss those challenges.
Students deserve a voice in the fight for equality, but may be fearful of being mistakenly labeled as a misandrist; the FMLA provides a neutral environment to discuss the issue.
The club is open to all students. Everyone is invited to support equality through empathy and understanding, not hate.
“Please stop perpetuating negativity, you’re hurting the movement,” Schlehuber says.
