Professor Lisa Dalton, a sociology teacher and an out lesbian, who told students the LGBT faculty would be more visible going forward. Photo: Todd Heywood
AUBURN HILLS – Nearly 500 people gathered at Oakland University's campus Wednesday night to mourn the death of Corey Jackson. Jackson, 19, committed suicide on Tuesday evening in a wooded area on campus.
While WDIV television is reporting the suicide of the openly gay Jackson may have been the result of bullying, police have said there is no indication of bullying, and those who knew Jackson said Wednesday night they were not aware of any bullying he might have been experiencing either.
Jackson's death was announced to the campus at 7 p.m. on Tuesday night, as many students were preparing for a national day of recognition for LGBT youth and others who had committed suicide as a result of bullying.
The students were joined by Jackson's family who sat under an awning in front of a building looking out on Bear Lake in the campus' center. A cold drizzle driven by a sometimes gusting wind fell as the group mourned. Jackson's grandmother Carolyn Evans told those assembled that the rain was the result of "angels crying."
Lisa Dalton, a professor of social work at the university addressed the gathering.
"Probably the biggest question at this point is 'Why did it happen?'" Dalton said. "I have to tell you that most of the time there's not going to be an answer to that question."
"The thing that you can do at this point – that we all must do – is learn how to take care of ourselves. We must talk about it. We must take away the stigma of suicide," Dalton said. "We must take away the stigma of asking for help. Everyone needs help at some point in their lives."
After a pause, Dalton stopped looking at her notes.
"I'd like to speak to you personally as a lesbian," she told the group. "As a lesbian faculty member, as somebody who has struggled with my sexual identity."
"I am not the only gay or lesbian or bisexual faculty on this campus. There are lots of others. I promise you that we will be visible," Dalton said. "I promise you that we have talked about ways we can be more open on campus. So that you will know who we are and who it is you can talk to because you have these issues."
During the vigil, participants lit candles while a student sang "Amazing Grace." Several friends of Jackson's spoke lovingly of his infectious smile and his penchant for getting people to join him at local Detroit area gay bars. The vigil concluded with people hugging, some sobbing softly, while the song "Stand by M" was performed.
