Advertisement

Pepperdine Rejects Club for Campus Gays

Share
Times Staff Writer

Grant Turck, 20, said he accepted that he was gay in his late teens.

Turck talked about his homosexuality with his hometown Lutheran pastor in Ohio and she urged him to remain active in the church, where he taught vacation Bible school.

So when he enrolled at Pepperdine University, which is affiliated with the Churches of Christ, Turk said, he didn’t think he would face much opposition in trying to establish a campus club to speak out against discrimination, violence and bias toward homosexuals.

But now, he said, he perhaps should have considered another school.

A few weeks ago, the Malibu university denied recognition to the club, called Students Against Homophobia, that Turck had tried to start.

Advertisement

The university issued a statement saying, “It appears that SAH is not supportive of the University’s traditional Christian teachings regarding homosexuality.... We will not officially recognize groups which may promote teachings or behaviors inconsistent with our historic ethical norms.”

In an interview, Pepperdine President Andrew K. Benton said the campus was committed to providing a safe environment to all students without regard to sexuality, but giving official support, including funding, to a gay-themed group was another thing.

“Students, faculty and staff shouldn’t at all be surprised that this is a Christian university,” Benton said. “Any student organization needs to advance the mission of the university.”

Turck, a sophomore, said that, without official recognition, he cannot receive university funding for events, hold meetings on campus or advertise on school property.

“I knew it would be a sensitive area,” Turck said. “But I didn’t think it would be something that couldn’t be worked out.”

Turck’s is not the first homosexuality-themed organization that has been denied recognition by the university. About two years ago, the school denied recognition to a group called the Gay Lesbian Straight Alliance.

Advertisement

The group’s secretary at the time, Justin Emerick, was barred from participating in a missionary trip to Japan once the religious sponsoring organization, which was not affiliated with Pepperdine, discovered Emerick was gay. Pepperdine officials at the time said they agreed with the decision.

Turck said Pepperdine needs an organization like his because some homosexual students are uncomfortable about being open on campus. He said they are concerned about intimidation and isolation.

Turck said his efforts reflect Christian belief. “I believe Jesus Christ, above all, talked about love and acceptance of everybody,” he said.

Candice Bob, a junior, said she was disappointed in the university’s decision and in students’ attitudes.

“They might be against homosexuality, but they sure ... have premarital sex and drink,” Bob said.

Freshman Angela Muiruri said homosexuality was not in accordance with Christian teachings, but she thought Turck’s group would be helpful on campus.

Advertisement

“I feel like there are a lot of people who are afraid to come out of the closet and I think it would be a good outlet for them,” Muiruri said.

But Dan Rath, a sophomore, said he understood the university’s decision. “I think the university feels an obligation to protect certain values,” Rath said.

Turck said he would start a letter-writing campaign to Benton in hopes the university would reverse its decision. He also said he would apply for recognition of his group every semester until it is approved.

“I am committed to doing whatever it takes to make Pepperdine a safe place where students of all sexual orientations can be who they are, without having to face issues of hate, disrespect and exclusion,” Turck said.

Advertisement