These events were recorded in The Peak during this week in 1983.
Sociologist debunks cure for homosexuality at UBC talk
Martin Weinberg, a research sociologist for Indiana University studying human sexuality and sexual behavior told an audience of students at UBC that the idea that homosexuality can be cured is “baffling.” The researcher talked about his studies for the root causes of homosexuality including what was then known as the “wastebasket theory” of lesbianism which stated that individuals, especially women, seek homosexual relationships because they are unattractive to members of the opposite sex. Weinberg asserted that such theories are “myths” and that homosexual feelings in children often predate later homosexual behaviors. The researcher has since published dozens of studies on sexuality and sexual behavior, some of which have won awards.
Fights break out for entry to SFU movie nights
Free weekly movie nights held at Images theatre were nearly ruined after some patrons turned to violence after being refused entry. Similar arguments would erupt as students entered the theatre to limited seating as the shows were nearly always sold out. The movie nights were ran by the SFSS and saw the society achieve $6,000 profits after having invested $26,000 only five months earlier.
Speculation about B.C. government funding cuts to universities
Fear abounded that the then-current Social Credit government of British Columbia would cut grants to universities, changing student funding from a mix of provincially-granted to having students rely on federal loans almost completely. The institution of rules for student loans based on academic standing also seemed to be a contentious issue for students. A North American recession also ensured that low employment coupled with eliminated student jobs programs would result in higher aid applications by students.
UofT engineering fights to institute anti-sexism code
The predominantly male engineering faculty at the University of Toronto called upon university administration to institute a code of conduct against sexual harassment and discrimination within the faculty. The faculty hoped that an independent third party would be able to be called upon for victims to turn to in instances of sexual harassment within the school. The call for policy creation was not spurred by specific incidents at the school but by the “possibility of there being a problem.”
Atomic bug created
Scientists at McGill University discovered compounds capable of removing radioactive material from water and nuclear waste. The scientists speculated that the compounds would be able to monitor for potential leakage from nuclear power facilities by testing lake and river water for contaminants.
Bomb scare evacuates abortion debate
A debate staged at the University of Manitoba saw 600 students evacuated for a bomb scare during the final moments of speech from controversial abortion doctor Henry Morgentaler. Students lined up to purchase pop and chips while waiting for the debate to resume 45 minutes later after the police made an electronic sweep of the auditorium. The threat was deemed a hoax and the rather explosive debate continued without further problems.
