2008 Woodie Awards
Student examines homosexuality on campus: Part 3
Ben Nielsen
Issue date: 5/4/07 Section: Forum
Every institution, to be an institution, must form its own procedures and policies. Though SBU may have policies with which I most certainly disagree and against which I have voiced my opinions and even hoped to see changed, I cannot justify living outside of those policies while they still are in place. Despite the fact that SBU may have duped me into agreeing with a moral conduct code earlier, I am fully aware of that code now. It is not entirely up to me to remain at this school and, if I do, then I choose to live by that policy. To break that, is for me, to become a liar, which no one would agree is a good thing.
Senior Ben Burns:
I think SBU is a good University, it has provided me with many opportunities to learn, grow and meet new friends. Unfortunately though, some of our dearest friends at SBU live in fear because they enjoy attending this University, they are a Christian ... and they happen to be gay. Because of rules outlined in the SBU student handbook, they fear being dismissed from school. I personally think it is unfortunate that our University has a rule that considers a student simply stating that they are gay / homosexual as a class "C" violation and / or grounds for dismissal.
I have friends that are gay and are also Christian, they are not promiscuous and have proclaimed that they are gay not by choice, but because when they hit puberty they were attracted to guys, not girls. It is that simple, and I have no reason and refuse to believe that they are lying or trying to cover up their "sin."
My heart goes out to every gay or lesbian person. How hard it must be to be gay and a Christian and attend a Christian university. Can you imagine the worry that individuals face everyday wondering how they will be judged and if they will be dismissed from school if someone finds out?
I, for one, want everyone to know that if you are gay or a lesbian, in the closet or out, I am your friend. I support you and I believe in you, and I want you at my school. I believe that you can be gay and a Christian and that's all that I need to know, I don't need any more proof.
Senior Ben Burns:
I think SBU is a good University, it has provided me with many opportunities to learn, grow and meet new friends. Unfortunately though, some of our dearest friends at SBU live in fear because they enjoy attending this University, they are a Christian ... and they happen to be gay. Because of rules outlined in the SBU student handbook, they fear being dismissed from school. I personally think it is unfortunate that our University has a rule that considers a student simply stating that they are gay / homosexual as a class "C" violation and / or grounds for dismissal.
I have friends that are gay and are also Christian, they are not promiscuous and have proclaimed that they are gay not by choice, but because when they hit puberty they were attracted to guys, not girls. It is that simple, and I have no reason and refuse to believe that they are lying or trying to cover up their "sin."
My heart goes out to every gay or lesbian person. How hard it must be to be gay and a Christian and attend a Christian university. Can you imagine the worry that individuals face everyday wondering how they will be judged and if they will be dismissed from school if someone finds out?
I, for one, want everyone to know that if you are gay or a lesbian, in the closet or out, I am your friend. I support you and I believe in you, and I want you at my school. I believe that you can be gay and a Christian and that's all that I need to know, I don't need any more proof.
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