Photo by: Christopher Hubble
For most couples, a marriage is a celebration. For two DU employees, their marriage landed them both in handcuffs.
Sheila Schroeder, professor in the Department of Mass Communications and Journalism Studies, and her partner, Digital Media Studies employee Kate Burns spent last Monday at the Denver Clerk and Recorder’s office, attempting to obtain a marriage certificate acknowledging their union.
The couple exchanged marriage vows several years ago before their minister and those closest to them, including family and friends. However, because of Colorado state law, their vows were not recognized legally.
They were refused a request for a marriage license last week. As a result, the couple sat in silent protest, joined by about 20 supporters.
When the building closed at 5 p.m., Schroeder and Burns were handcuffed by the Denver police and taken to jail. Released without bail, both women received trespassing violations and a summons for a court date.
“They were very cordial throughout the process. They asked us fairly firmly to move out of the way so they could conduct business,” said Burns. “We apologized for the inconvenience we caused them. We were protesting the law, which all of us as citizens are responsible for. At the end of the day, since we hadn’t been given the civil rights we came for, we said we could not leave until we get those rights.”
The first time in handcuffs for both, Schroeder and Burns found the ordeal worthwhile, aiming to make a statement through nonviolent civil disobedience.
“If there’s a reason to get arrested, you should do it for social justice,” said Burns. “Having those handcuffs for standing up for what is right was really a high point for me and was certainly not shameful.”
Facing numerous news cameras and journalists throughout their sit-in, the women were pleased with the attention given to their civil disobedience.
Planning their act since July, Schroeder and Burns chose to make their statement in such a fashion following the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., they said.
“We felt we had to escalate to this in order to shine a light that everyone would see,” said Burns. “It’s a matter of standing up and saying we will not be second class citizens anymore. It’s the deepest of human rights and we deserve full acceptance, full inclusion and full responsibility.”
The women acted in coordination with the Focus on the Facts campaign, an ongoing plan aimed to protest the current laws prohibiting same sex marriages.
According to Schroeder, over 1,000 rights are granted to couples through a marriage license. Gay couples are unable to gain these rights.
Eventually, they hope to change Amendment 43, which defines a marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
“Even if we were to reverse Colorado’s decision, ultimately what we are looking for is a federal change,” said Schroeder. “In three years, five years, 10 years down the road, people will look back and say, ‘Why would we do that? How could that even be possible?’ because I know so many people today that say, ‘What is the big deal?’.”
As DU employees, Schroeder and Burns were greeted with support for their action by the DU community.
“This is something we are doing outside of our lives as DU employees,” said Schroeder.
“It’s hard when you’re splashed over the news for it, but I have received nothing but support, care and respect from the DU community.”
Their expression of protestation through the sit-in inspired both women to encourage others to do the same.
“More importantly that just being in the paper or being in the news, nonviolence resistance is about transforming yourself,” said Schroeder.
“Having now done this civil disobedience and marched with them, I have to tell you, there’s no greater way to feed my own soul than standing up for what is right. Students around campus, whatever they feel moved to do, I cannot imagine a better experience. Students should get involved. I’m not saying they need to be a part of this movement, I’m just saying get involved in something.”
Inspired by their arrest last week, the women are currently preparing for their court date on Oct. 9. A lifelong activist, Burns plans to continue nonviolent protests into the future with the support of her partner.
“There’s definitely more to come,” said Burns.
