LGBTQ College students and Alumni Criticize Lee College Assertion

A leaked draft of a “assertion of perception” by Lee College officers has brought about disappointment and outrage amongst some college students and alumni for its place on sexuality and gender.

The assertion says Lee college students, college and workers members ought to “diligently search to embrace and stay per their God-given organic intercourse” and can’t “publicly determine or behave as” one other gender. The assertion acknowledges the college’s stances “could elevate challenges for individuals who expertise same-sex attraction or have questions on their gender/sexuality.”

Kendra Mann, a spokesperson for the Christian establishment in Tennessee, instructed NewsChannel 9 Tuesday that the leaked doc reaffirms present insurance policies on the college and doesn’t mirror any “sweeping adjustments.” The assertion, shared prematurely with college and workers members, was imagined to be launched Aug. 1.

The Affirming Alum Collective, a Fb group of LGBTQ alumni and allies, posted that the group was “deeply saddened and annoyed” by the doc’s contents.

“To our fellow LGBTQIA+ and affirming Lee alum, college students, college and workers, we stand with you and are grieving with you,” the put up learn.

The college beforehand drew criticism from LGBTQ alumni for excluding the phrases “gender” and “gender id” from its antidiscrimination coverage in its 2021–22 scholar handbook. Lee College president Mark Walker additionally vocally reiterated the college’s long-held stance that same-sex intercourse relationships are prohibited by Scripture in a assertion and through a chapel service final spring.