Purposeful Exclusion of Sexual Minority Youth in Christian Higher Education: The Implications of Discrimination

Abstract

Current policies exist at religious universities and colleges that bar students with gay, lesbian, and bisexual identities from admission. Furthermore, these schools have wide-ranging disciplinary policies toward current students who identify as gay/lesbian/bisexual or participate in same-sex romantic behaviors. This article presents original descriptive data regarding the nature of such policies by reviewing a random sample of schools which are members of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. This paper also reviews the psychiatric, pediatric, and epidemiologic literature to better understand the experiences of sexual minority youth. Results indicate sexual minority youth are more likely to experience mental health symptoms, display poor academic performance, and be at greater risk of exposure to public health concerns as a result of discrimination and prejudice. These symptoms are especially prevalent in environments that are rejecting toward sexual minorities. Given this large body of data, policies that exclude and discipline sexual minority youth are harmful and should be removed or dramatically altered. Action is needed to foster campus climates of grace and compassion to sexual minority youth who are vulnerable.