Non-Discrimination Policy at Belmont

Pat Griffin’s writing regarding Belmont University’s new sexual orientation policy struck a nerve with me. After reading over it, I thought to myself, “Is the board’s response really sincere?” It made me question their goals and their intentions in announcing this new policy. Pat discussed the idea that this could be a good thing for Belmont, especially with the portrayal of having the good Christian morals and values incorporated into their programs. But is it real? Why is it that this is just now getting put into the non-discrimination policy at the school? It makes me judge their capability to protect their students and staff at Belmont. Is it really to protect their staff and students? Or is it just a publicity stunt? I feel like they are just trying to cover themselves from lawsuits that could possibly arise due to this issue. When the school’s president was asked about the new policy and if Belmont would allow openly gay people to work at the university, his answer was hesitant. But why is it that their soccer coach Lisa Howe was let go once she became open about her sexuality? What does that mean? It makes me wonder to what extent will the policy be enforced. What kind of message are they sending to the youth, and the community surrounding their university? I think that this subject is becoming more and more acknowledged in today’s society, especially with many of the tragic deaths that have happened in the past at other universities involving students taking their lives because of discrimination due to their sexual orientation. If the university wants their policy to be viewed sincerely then they need to be prepared to follow through with it.