Dive Brief:
- Gordon College President D. Michael Lindsay is in hot water after calling for a religious exemption to federal regulations that ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Lindsay was among 14 religious leaders who wrote to the Obama administration last week seeking such an exemption from an upcoming executive order that would ban federal contractors from discriminating against LGBT employees or applicants.
- Some students, faculty, and alumni are angry about Lindsay's stance, saying his views are discriminatory, and an online petition calling for him to rescind his support for the exemption has more than 2,700 signatures, the Boston Globe reported.
Dive Insight:
Lindsay’s defense: He wanted to show the Wenham, MA, Christian college's support for religious liberty. In a letter posted to the institution’s website, Lindsay said he regretted the letter had caused hurt feelings and disappointment, adding that the college does not and will not bar categories of individuals from employment or admission. More than 100 Gordon students, alumni, and faculty signed a letter sent Tuesday to the Obama administration that denounced the religious exemption, saying it would allow discrimination.
