Gary Campbell needs just six more credits to get his undergraduate degree, and planned to return to Clarks Summit University, a “Christ-centered” Bible college in Pennsylvania in the fall. But the school learned he is gay, and kicked him out.
Campbell, 35, had attended Clarks Summit in northeastern Pennsylvania from 2001 to 2003, then dropped out, hoping to attend a community college to save money. Along the way he joined the Navy, but was discharged “after he drove drunk on base,” The Citizens’ Voice reports.
“He knew at the time he was gay, but thought by attending the Baptist school, he could change,” the report adds.
“Long story short, it didn’t work out that way,” Campbell says.
He now has $30,000 in student loan debt and is finding that about half of his credits from Clarks Summit, a private, Christian college that says it “embraces its Baptist convictions and propels graduates into careers and service opportunities around the globe,” wouldn’t transfer.
The school says it’s “a fully-accredited, faith-centered university committed to providing students with an education that will allow them to serve Christ in a variety of ministries and careers.”
Unless they’re gay, apparently.
“I ask that you not view me only as a homosexual, but as a determined, compassionate, hard-working man who is of good moral character,” Campbell wrote to the school. “My goal again is to assist my community and help those who are struggling in the grip of addiction.”
He says the class he needs to take to graduate is online.
“They weren’t even going to see me,” Campbell notes.
Among the school’s values and beliefs are “the development of leadership skills as the natural outcome of transformational learning, so we may assist others in achieving their God-given potential.”
But it also says that it believes “that all human beings are totally depraved and guilty before God as a result of the fall of Adam. We commit acts of sin because we are sinners by nature.”
The school’s handbook says:
“Physical displays of affection such as holding hands, kissing, or any inappropriate physical contact is not acceptable.”
“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.”
“All I’m asking is for the school to make an exception,” to its anti-gay policy, Campbell said.
His request was refused.
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