Jeffrey Woodard is a model high school student. He even made the choice to go to a private Christian school where he could learn more about the Bible.
However, Jeff was expelled because he was gay.
According to an article from the Palm Beach Post, Woodard was confronted by his Bible teacher about his sexuality. After he confided to the teacher that he was gay during what he thought was a private conversation, Jeff and his mother were called in to the office for a conference about Jeff’s options at his beloved high school.
His options were few – sexual counseling [a process that tries to reverse homosexuality], self-withdrawal or expulsion.
Since Jeff decided not to withdraw or go to the counseling, he was immediately expelled without official reason.
Juptier Christian High School’s president Rich Grimm said it violated the rules in the school’s handbook. He also said that the school “had an image to protect.”
Personally, I was bewildered to find out that Christian schools in the state of Florida are allowed to discriminate on the grounds of sexuality, but not on race, religion, etc.
I then realized that they are a private Christian academy and they had the right to accept or deny anyone admittance.
Then I read on.
The article detailed how Jupiter Christian accepts state funding to help run their school.
I also read that each of the student’s pay in upwards of $7,000 a year to attend the school.
I don’t think a school that accepts state funds and charges seven grand a year should be able to discriminate in any way whether it be sexual or not – whether it follows the beliefs of the school or not.
Even though what they did to Jeff is completely legal, I don’t think that makes it right.
During Jeff’s conference wth the administration, his grades never were brought up for discussion – he failed Algebra and Spanish.
The fact that Jeff was struggling academically never was an issue for the school.
However, the second his sexuality is revealed, he is ousted.
I would love to see what would happen if the star quarterback or the student body president were to “come out.”
Would Jupiter Christian be so quick to get rid of them?
I doubt it.
I also have a big problem with the school’s statement.
Correct me if I am wrong – Jesus spent his time on earth preaching to prostitutes, thieves and the like.
He did this saying it was the sick who needed a doctor, not the healthy.
By hastily expelling Jeff without question, they have exemplified the truest form of intolerance. If they really had the school’s mission at heart, they would have kept Jeff in school and tried to minister to him rather than allow him to move to another school during his senior year.
I would hope Jupiter Christian’s reputation would take a backseat to the social life and educational development of one of its students.
By the way, Jeff is doing fine at his new school. He is trying to form a gay-straight alliance at his new public high school. Good luck, Jeff.
As a society, we should demand that private schools that can discriminate do so without our tax dollars.
WWJD? Eh?