A private Christian high school in Kansas has drawn the ire of multiple human rights groups for allegedly reserving the right to expel students on the basis of their relative's sexuality. Despite the controversy, the school maintains it hasn't denied admission to a student just because he or she has a gay family member.
Sole Discretion
The Independent noted that students who wish to attend Trinity Academy in Wichita must first sign a statement of understanding together with their parents. Part of the agreement states that the school can deny admission or discontinue enrollment of a current student if the atmosphere or conduct within his or her home promotes alternative gender identities or LGBT lifestyles.
A copy of the school's contract recently made rounds online. It eventually reached the computer screens of several human rights activists. Needless to say, they weren't a tad bit impressed with what they read.
"The alarming and growing trend of schools quietly seeking the right to discriminate against LGBT students, and not disclosing that information publicly, is what spurred our call for greater transparency," explained Human Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin. "We believe that religious liberty is a bedrock principle of our nation, however, faith should never be used as a guise for discrimination."
A Pinch Of Hypocrisy
Thomas Witt, the executive director of Equality Kansas was stunned to know about the level of intolerance going on at Trinity Academy. He told KWCH that by implementing such rules, the school is subconsciously holding its students hostages.
"I think the LGBT community is going to be shocked and appalled to see children being treated this way by people who profess faith in Jesus," said Witt. "There's no biblical argument that says you get to punish your children, or that you get to punish somebody else's children, for actions of a third party."
Mutual Agreement
Trinity Academy responded to the backlash by stating that the school strictly upholds "bible-based" views regarding alternative gender identities and human sexuality. Parents and students agree to the school's terms on their own accord and can choose to cancel enrollment if they bear opposite views.
