Christian university in Nashville responds to outcry over the departure of a lesbian coach

Bob Fisher, president of Belmont University, did not specifically address the case of Lisa Howe, the school’s former women’s soccer coach, but stressed on Wednesday that sexual orientation is not considered in employment, promotion, or dismissal personnel actions or in student admission decisions.  Belmont is a "safe and welcoming place for all."

Since her departure, Belmont students allege that Howe was forced to resign after she acknowledged that her same-sex partner was pregnant with their first child.  Fisher responded in a statement to the media on December 8:





Dr. Fisher's Statement to the Media, Dec. 8, 2010   BelmontU

“The Belmont family, like any large family, comprises a rich and diverse mix of people. Within our student community there are many gay and lesbian students as well as gay and lesbian faculty and staff.”

Howe, who left her position on Dec. 2, said on Thursday that she hopes Fisher’s statement sets an example for schools across the country. 

“I was a good student athlete recruiter, had an organized and professionally run program, and was one of Belmont's best employees. None of that changed when I acknowledged that I am a lesbian and that my partner and I are expecting a baby.”

“I am proud of who I am and my family and our future, and I want every person – no matter what race, religion, nationality or sexuality they represent – to feel the same way.”

Since Howe’s letter and plight was made public, students had been pushing for gay rights, demanding that college officials change its policy regarding homosexuality. They have organized a letter-writing campaign and staged a three-hour protest Wednesday.

They have urged the Nashville university to rehire Howe.

President Fisher assured that the university did not fire the coach based on her sexuality.  Rather, he said, it was a “mutual” decision for Howe to resign.

The faculty senate passed a resolution earlier this week, calling for dialogue on the university's policy on gay faculty and staff.


Data from book, "The Millennials: Connecting to America’s Largest Generation."
Thom Rainer of LifeWay Research and his son, Jess, compiled data which shows that most Americans born between 1980 and 1991 (Millennials) are OK with same-sex marriage.  When asked in a survey: 

“How much would you agree or disagree with the statement: I see nothing wrong with two people of the same gender getting married,”

40 percent of Millennials agreed strongly
21 percent agree somewhat
15 percent disagreed somewhat
24 percent disagreed strongly.

Rainer said it is important to know what young adults think about these issues:According to Rainer, the church must take a strong stance on homosexuality in order attract young believers. Belmont was affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention until 2007.  According to the university’s website, the school maintains that it is a “Christian community” that espouses Christian values. Faculty administrators and staff are to “uphold Jesus as the Christ and the measure of all things."


Public Religion Research found in 2008 that young white evangelicals are 2.5 times more likely than older evangelicals to say gay couples should be allowed to marry.

“It will be a critical issue for churches – soon to be led by Millennials – to establish their positions on the issue of same-sex relationships.”

“If it is to find relevance with Millennials, the church must be willing to deal directly with the issue of same-sex attraction and relationships. The church must voice a clear, biblical ethic of sexuality.”