Belmont Alters Non-Discrimination Policy to Include Sexual Orientation

Belmont, a Christian university located in Tennessee that was affiliated with the Southern Baptists until 2007, recently altered its non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation. The change is concurrent with the departure of Lisa Howe, an out lesbian who coached the women?s soccer team until this past December. Though the university has said that Howe left the school as part of a mutual decision, students and players claim that it was Howe?s announcement of her partner?s pregnancy that led to her dismissal. At the time of Howe?s exit, President Bob Fisher said that the school does not consider sexual orientation in hiring or admissions decisions. This Wednesday, he announced the change in school policy, saying that it serves only to reinforce current practices. Fisher refused to discuss the specifics of Howe?s departure or whether Belmont?s new policy would allow for openly gay and lesbian employees. However, Howe issued a statement regarding the policy, saying, "I am grateful to the Belmont board for recognizing that being gay and being Christian are not mutually exclusive. This is a landmark day." Along with the issues surrounding Howe, Belmont has also been criticized for prohibiting the formation of an official student group by Bridge Builders, an organization that explores Christianity in the lives of LGBT people. These controversies around LGBT issues have surprised many who view Belmont as a fairly progressive school.Related Media Coverage:Associated Press - January 26, 2011"Belmont Changes Policy After Gay Coach Protest"http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/01/26/general-soc-belmont-coach-controversy_8277080.html

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