Belmont professors support gay faculty, students

[mgc1961]

Professors at Belmont University say gay and lesbian faculty and students should be welcome at the Christian school, and no one should have to leave because of their sexual orientation.

Belmont's faculty senate unanimously approved a resolution late Monday in support of gay members of their community and invited the administration to discuss the issue.

"The Senate believes that the sexual identity of individuals should not impact that person's standing on campus," the resolution states.

The resolution comes after the sudden departure of Lisa Howe, Belmont's women's soccer coach. Howe's players say she was ousted last week after revealing that she was gay. But Belmont officials say Howe's departure was a mutual parting of the ways. The story has made national headlines and led to student protests on campus.

More at http://www.tennessean.com/article/20101207/NEWS04/12070344/Belmont+professors+support+gay+faculty++students