Student shares about university rated poorly for LGBT treatment

A group called Campus Pride has recently released a list of university campuses rated worst for LGBT+ students. More appropriately, it’s called the “Shame List.”

“The Shame List uncovers the religion-based bigotry that is unsafe, harmful and perpetuates harassment toward LGBTQ youth,” said Shane Windmeyer the Executive Director of Campus Pride.

“Everyone has a right to know that these ‘absolute worst campuses for LGBTQ youth’ do exist and what they are doing to discriminate in policies, programs and practices.”

“I’m not surprised that OBU [Oklahoma Baptist University] has been voted one of the worst campuses for LGBTQ youth,” stated Matti Martin, a former OBU student.

“I saw and experienced discrimination at every turn. Students were fired from their jobs in residence life, the administration prevented LGBTQ students from participating in campus activities, students were required to participate in conversion therapy through unlicensed ‘therapists,’ and they were forcibly outed and trans students were denied housing.”

Besides OBU, there are 138 other schools on the list incriminated for their actions. Furthermore, over half of included schools have asked and received religious based exemptions from Title IX. These exemptions allow schools to discriminate based on orientation and gender identity.

“My freshman, when it came to light that two young women were dating, one was fired from her job as the Assistant Resident Director,” added Martin. “Both were forcibly outed without their consent to faculty, peers and families. Both were required to go through conversion therapy on campus through OBU’s Spiritual Life Office with an unlicensed therapist.

Martin also shared details about several other situations in which students were fired from campus jobs because of their orientations and then sent to conversion therapy. OBU can continue with their actions due to the Title IX exemptions they receive. These can also be used to discriminate against students that become pregnant, have abortions or are “unmarried mothers.”

To find what schools are in your area, you may access the list here.

“Be yourself,” said Marin. “It’s really tempting to try and be someone that fits in with a group of people. But you don’t feel comfortable in a group unless you feel comfortable with yourself. Next, if you are a boy, don’t be caught making out with a boy. Or if you are a girl making out with a girl. And if you are trans, don’t be caught existing.”

These words may seem alarming, but they come from the insight of a student who has experienced such a university.  

Copyright The Gayly - 9/15/2017 2:37 p.m. CST