When fundies attack: PBAU denies access to gay Christian group

As a private institution, Palm Beach Atlantic University pretty much can do whatever they want. I realize this. But we ought to be aware that this institution openly discriminates against the GLBT community.

A national Christian gay rights group called Soulforce has been planning visits to a number of religious and evangelical universities, including the notorious Liberty University, Jerry Falwell's creation. Like Liberty, PBAU says no way.

PBAU officials last week rejected a request from the 10-year-old group to visit their campus, saying that after careful consideration the visit would not "meaningfully further the mission of either organization."

Soulforce, which supports gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality, is coming anyway.

The group delivers its message through "relentless nonviolent resistance," and its members have been arrested for trespassing during visits to schools in other states after treading on private campuses without permission.

Although it's unclear whether Soulforce will try to get onto PBAU's campus or meet with students at another location, its request to talk about religion and homosexuality already has spurred discussion at the school, where same-sex relationships are considered immoral and contradictory to biblical standards.

Jarrett Lucas, co-director of Soulforce's college "equality ride," said several PBAU students have contacted him saying they are willing to talk.

"It's always heartbreaking to hear the student body express the desire to speak with us and then have the administration say they can't," Lucas said.

Comments on a PBAU student blog vary, but several fear their school will be perceived as intolerant or radically religious by refusing to offer Soulforce a forum.

"How we 'should' respond won't affect anything, really. Some people will be nice to them, some will ignore them. Hopefully, no one will be hateful toward them, but you never know," wrote one student.

PBAU senior Hannah Mitchell said school administrators were open with students about Soulforce's request. She believes they made the right decision.

"I appreciate that the university looked into this matter, thoroughly researched it and then presented both the student body and the Soulforce team with an answer," Mitchell said. "I am not against the homosexual lifestyle; I have many friends that are engaged in that activity and the Bible says that no sin is better or worse in the eyes of God. However, although I would never condemn that behavior, you also have to be careful that you do not condone it."

PBAU spokeswoman Becky Peeling said a committee of faculty and staff made the recommendation against allowing the group on campus.

Besides PBAU's differing beliefs about homosexuality, other campus events already were scheduled for the days Soulforce plans to visit - Oct. 13-14.

"We agree people should not be harassed at all, but we differ with them when we get into the acceptance of homosexual behavior," Peeling said. "Frankly, part of our issue has also been timing."

It's mighty convenient to rest on "timing" when banning groups from campus, isn't it?

Again, I acknowledge that PBAU, Liberty, and their ilk have control over who can visit their campuses and what messages are delivered there. Naturally, though, I reject the contention that the GLBT lifestyle is "immoral," and I'm offended by these universities' decisions to ostracize members of their own communities by treating them like lepers.

PBAU had a chance to open lines of communication and allow both their own students and Soulforce to educate each other about different perspectives. But, of course, opening up to different viewpoints is the exact opposite of what the evangelical community tries to do. Indeed, they work hard to suppress individuality and encourage repression of natural beliefs and feelings, lest their indoctrination methods be compromised. Good for Soulforce to come to the area anyway -- I hope they are able to get their message out to as many PBAU students and constituents as possible through their method of "relentless nonviolent resistance."

Yes, PBAU has the right to bar Soulforce from campus. But that doesn't make it right.

UPDATE (9:17 pm 10/8/08): PBAU has relented in part, but Soulforce says the conditions are still too restrictive.

(cross-posted at Pax Americana)