Vanderbilt's Bigotry

To the Editor:

A prominent American university has decided five on-campus Christian groups are in violation of the school's non-discrimination policy and has placed the groups on "provisional status" -- a move described by one conservative group as nothing short of religious bigotry. Officials at Vanderbilt University told the groups they were in violation of non-discrimination policy for requiring their leaders to share the beliefs, goals, and values of their respective group. Should the groups not adhere to university policy, they risk being shut down.

Why wouldn't the Muslim student association want a Muslim leader? Should it be forced to have a Jew as a leader? Should the Bi, Gay, Lesbian and Transsexual association have to accept a straight-activist as head honcho? Should the Campus Vegans be forced to support a leader from the American Beef Association?

Why would these five Christian campus groups not want a leader who agrees with its beliefs and practices? Why is Vanderbilt--or any college-- demanding the homogenization of the freedom of speech and religion?

Has the Freedom of Religion become Freedom from Religion--specifically, Christianity?


Pastor Terry Hagedorn
Calvary Baptist Church
Reedsville, WV