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(Williamsburg, Kentucky) A University of Cumberlands student who revealed he
was gay on a personal Web page has been expelled.
Jason Johnson, 20, of Lexington, was asked to leave the small Baptist school
earlier this week, according to Larry Cockrum, director of media relations
at the university.
Johnson's dismissal came after he posted on his Web page at the popular
Internet site MySpace.com that he was gay. The university has a policy that
says it reserves the right to expel a student who "promotes sexual behavior
not consistent with Christian principles," including homosexuality.
The university would not comment on Johnson's expulsion, though school
president Jim Taylor said in a statement that the school is "unapologetic
about our Christian beliefs."
Johnson, a sophomore majoring in theater arts who was on the dean's list,
said his lawyer has advised him not to talk about his expulsion.
Cumberlands student Jennifer Roberts, a friend of Johnson's, was upset with
the school's decision.
"He's openly gay but doesn't flaunt it," Roberts said. "I think you would be
floored by the amount of gay people at our school."
Roberts added she doesn't think she's the only student who will speak out
against Johnson's dismissal.
As always, HeartStrong is collecting letters to send to this school. We will be forwarding them to the school in one mailing. You can also mail us your own personal letter to include if you choose.
The point of sending the letters to the school is to let the school know that they cannot persecute GLBT students without a public response. So, we need EVERYONE to sign and forward a letter to us. You can do that right here.