Over 200 people attended John Corvino's "Morality, Homosexuality and Diversity" lecture in Carter Hall on Tuesday presented by the Activities Programming Board (APB).
Corvino, who holds a doctrine in philosophy from the University of Texas, has lectured for over 15 years in hopes of establishing healthier rhetoric on the topics of homosexuality and morality.
Corvino has since written over 100 articles and opinion pieces on the subjects.
"Morality is not a private matter, but people are afraid to impose, offend or step on each other's toes when we talk about morality," Corvino said.
By citing what he believes as double standards in society against homosexuality, Corvino said many common arguments "simply do not make sense."
In one example, Corvino said, "Heterosexuals have relationships; homosexuals have sex", which he considers a statement that belittles and simplifies homosexual partnership.
Corvino also opened the floor for a question and answer session, allowing audience members to address what he refers to as "the weirdness factor" of sexual orientation.
Vice president of APB Adrienne Rivera said it's important for USI to invite speakers like Corvino for the purpose of diversity. Rivera said his invitation was partly due to a chalking incident during a Spectrum activity on campus, which portrayed negative statements towards the organization.
"This is the first time in a few years that we've had a speaker like this, so it's important that people hear this issues," Rivera said.
Corvino said the first time since his 16 years of speaking, one of his events were canceled. Last week, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Mich., canceled the event due to a "misunderstanding" from Tree Top Productions, the campus programming board in charge of promoting the event, and the lack of preparation for a Catholic response, stated an article in The Saint, Aquinas's student-run newspaper.
Fountain Street Church, Grand Rapids, Mich., will host Corvino next Wednesday. Corvino is presenting the lecture for free.
Mary Stoll, assistant professor of philosophy, who teaches Corvino's text in her class, said Corvino's appearance allows her students to see and interact with a modern-day philosopher. Corvino said, "It's not whom you love, but if you love."
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