The president of a private Pennsylvania college is stepping up to help a gay man who was kicked out of a local Bible college after the school learned he is gay.
Gary Campbell needs just six credits to graduate, and had previously attended Clarks Summit University, but left years ago hoping to save money at a community college. Instead, he ended up joining the Navy, but was discharged after an alcohol-related incident.
Now he wants to help people in recovery, and returned to his old school to complete his degree, but shortly after re-enrolling Clarks Summit kicked him out because he is gay.
Lackawanna College President Mark Volk has offered to help Campbell, after reading about his story in the local paper.
“For us, it’s about giving people that opportunity, that chance to move forward in their lives and their careers,” Volk told the Times-Tribune. “When I read it, I thought maybe we could do something. … I sent a note to staff, and there is tremendous excitement about it.”
Campbell had said other colleges were reluctant to transfer most of the credits he earned at Clarks Summit, but Volk thinks his university will be able to help.
“We look at the whole person,” Volk says. “Maybe we can do something here to help him out.”
Campbell is “eager,” the Times-Tribune reports. And grateful.
“It’s just amazing,” he says.
Clarks Summit’s bans same-sex relationships, but according to its handbook, its rules are just inhumane.
“Physical displays of affection such as holding hands, kissing, or any inappropriate physical contact is not acceptable,” the rules state.
A few more from the Clarks Summit handbook:
“Students, regardless of gender, should not spend time together alone in a private place or location where there is not a healthy level of accountability.”
“Students are not to engage in and maintain same-sex romantic or sexual relationships.”
“Students are not to share the same bed.”
“Participation in dance that is sexually provocative, occurs in unhealthy environments, and does not reflect a pure and godly lifestyle is prohibited.”
“Sweatpants should not be tight-fitting.”
Image via Wikimedia