Rossville Christian Academy, Private Tennessee School, Bans Homosexuality Among Students, Staff

A Tennessee private school's decision to ban any mention of homosexuality among its student body is raising more than a few eyebrows among parents.

Tennessee's WREG News has an extensive report on the new ban at Rossville Christian Academy. A letter which was sent home to parents reportedly reads as follows:

"A staff member or student who promotes, engages in, or identifies himself/herself with such activity through any word or action shall be in violation of this policy. Should the administration determine a violation of this policy, the person involved will be subject to disciplinary action with the possibility of permanent dismissal. Any applicant who is not in compliance with this policy will not be admitted."

Still, one parent, whose name was not disclosed, said they believed the ban at Rossville, a private school with about 300 students in kindergarten through 12th grade, is illegally aimed at one gay student. "My initial reaction is that it was specifically aimed at one person, and I felt very sad about that," the parent said. "If my daughter spoke about someone who was gay is she going to be expelled for that or is she going to be put in detention?"

Though school officials have not commented on the policy, University of Memphis law professor Steve Mulroy said that, with no state or federal law preventing anti-gay discrimination, the stance is legal, and given that the academy is a Christian-based school, there may be even more protections in place.

Interestingly, as The New Civil Rights Movement points out, Rossville Christian Academy's website notes that the school "exists to challenge a diverse student body through high academic standards, seeking to instill and inspire Christian virtues in a safe and nurturing environment."

Last month, Shorter University, a Christian Baptist school located in Rome, Ga., mandated that its 200 employees sign a "personal lifestyle pledge" declaring that they reject homosexuality, premarital sex and adultery.

Comments

[Kitaro Karu]

07:21 PM on 05/23/2012

i disagree with the schools policy its discriminatory they have no business treating people as such no matter how they identify themselfs be it gay bisexual transgender or what ever its none of any schools business and the school should stay out of it period. if it were me they kicked out i would be suing them

[voyagerdjc248]

09:04 AM on 01/28/2012

The private school has a right to ban behaviour they consider wrong. Those of you condemning the school for their beliefs seem to want to do so only because they are not agreeing with your view of what is allowable. If you do not like their view, do not send your children there. If they do not like your view, they do not have to enroll your children there. They are private, they are Christian. It is their policy.

[Stacy Phillips]

12:57 PM on 03/19/2012

I have no problem w/ the school using the bible for the laws they set forth..They are a Christian school..MY PROBLEM is they are nit picking it!! Several sites have shown the reason for this ban is Romans 1.27 and Leviticus 18.22 ...This is interesting since according to those 2 passages it states nothing of LOVE, but of sexual relationships between 2 men.. infact the bible say NOTHING on loving the same sex, it's against sex w/ them...sexual relations according to the dictionary is sex...So they are targeting gay students for having sex with each other..........well wanna bout Galatians 5.19-21, Corinthians 6.18-20, Thessalonians 4.3-5 that goes against premarital sex of men and women....You CANNOT discipline or ban certain students on 2 verses about sexual relations w/ same sex, and ignore the 10 plus verses about sexual relations w/ the opposite sex...Again, that is a double standard, Jason your expelled cause you had sexual relations w/ a man, cause a verse states its against GOD, but then turn around and tell Jimmy, your not expelled for having sexual relations w/ that girl.Were going to ignore the 10 plus verses for you.....That is discrimination of a group.Now if they suspend ALL students for sexual relations which according to the bible is a sin, we'll be fine.That's NOT the case here!

[Rastafari59]

07:22 AM on 01/28/2012

As a Christian I am called to evangelize others by demonstrating the love of Christ. If I love others they will be drawn toward Christ. It is sinful to demand that nonChristians act like Christians. My Bible tells me that those of the world are going to act like the world. I am commanded to show them God's love. Not beat them over the head with a Bible they don't believe.

Jesus also warned his followers that if you apply any part of the law of God to others you must keep all of it yourself. How can we pass amendments against gays when our church pews are full of divorcees, and people who have had premarital sex? Are we kicking them out of our schools? Are we passing amendments against them? All believers would do well to meditate on the fact that Jesus took a whip and drove the hypocrites from his Father's temple.

[Dr Dee]

08:07 PM on 01/28/2012

The school has a right to hold applicants to rules of conduct. If potential students or teachers are not willing to adhere to the rules, they need not apply. When you are paying for an education in a private school, shop around. I personally respect the school for adhering to Biblical standards in this day and age where no one is calling sin sin. They did not single out homosexuality. If you read the article, they called out both premarital and extramarital sexual sins. If you don't like the rules, this is not the school for you or your child.

[Rastafari59]

07:27 PM on 01/29/2012

Actually, I read the account of Christian members of the academy who say this new rule was passed to kick out one kid, and it is not being applied to extramarital sins. The rule is formally written as you say, but they are not doing it. Once again, that is the kind of hypocrisy that Jesus to a whip to, remember?

And just think, this is a young kid. Isn't he right where we want him? Smack in the middle of a church? If we loved him the way Jesus commands, wouldn't that draw him toward Calvary and redemption? Jesus didn't command us to go out and apply the Law of Moses to nonbelievers. He commanded us to go demonstrate his love. When we demonstrate His love, "the Holy Spirit will provide the increase". (Book of Acts)

[ez duz it]

11:20 AM on 01/16/2012

It’s curious that the “Rossville Christian Academy” would choose to base part of its name on the ancient Athenian Academy where part of the grounds included a grove dedicated to the goddess Athena.

The greater irony is that RCS, with its anti-Gay stance, is likely unaware that Plato, the Academy’s founder, was not only quite comfortable with man-man love, but advocated a military that openly welcomed male lovers:

“And if there were only some way of contriving that a state or an army should be made up of lovers and their loves, they would be the very best governors of their own city, abstaining from all dishonour, and emulating one another in honour; and when fighting at each other's side, although a mere handful, they would overcome the world. For what lover would not choose rather to be seen by all mankind than by his beloved, either when abandoning his post or throwing away his arms? He would be ready to die a thousand deaths rather than endure this. Or who would desert his beloved or fail him in the hour of danger? The veriest coward would become an inspired hero, equal to the bravest, at such a time; Love would inspire him. That courage which, as Homer says, the god breathes into the souls of some heroes, Love of his own nature infuses into the lover.” [1]
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[1] http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Texts/Plato/Symposium.html

[Dr Dee]

08:13 PM on 01/28/2012

The name of the school and Plato's sexual issues are moot points. The issue is that the school is enforcing a sexual purity stance for both students and faculty. Given the recent rash of teachers seducing students and teen pregnancies in middle and high schools, I applaud their position. Better to have a clear policy than confusion from political correctness.

[ez duz it]

09:36 AM on 01/29/2012

The expression, “Christian academy” is an oxymoron.

That a Christian “academy” is named after an ancient school founded by Plato, a Gay man whose writings support a military formed by male lovers and who dedicated it to the deity Athena is not only not moot, it’s precisely the point.

The school’s anti-Gay policy reads, in part: “Homosexuality is forbidden in scripture (Romans 1:27, Leviticus 18:22). A staff member or student who promotes, engages in, or identifies himself/herself with such activity through any word or action shall be in violation of this policy. Should the administration determine a violation of this policy, the person involved will be subject to disciplinary action with the possibility of permanent dismissal.” [1]

The RCA states: “The Holy Bible, composed of the Old and New Testaments, is the word of GOD and the final and supreme authority for faith and life.” [2]

If RCA gave more than mere lip-service to Scripture, it seems it’d have a teacher on staff who was degreed in Biblical languages and literatures. Perhaps, if they did, they’d see that neither verse cited in their policy condemns homosexuality.

One should ask if the school’s board and teachers will subject themselves to disciplinary action, or dismissal for associating itself so intimately with Plato, a man who engaged in, and advocated for, same-sex love. I could only hope….
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[1] http://www.wreg.com/news/wreg-parent-questions-schools-antigay-policy-20111222,0,3729894.story
[2] http://rossvillechristian.com/statementoffaith.asp

[always pms]

04:51 PM on 01/06/2012

My post is Central Time Zone stamped (as it should be), not an Eastern Time Zone stamp. Guess RCA MOM OF 3 is traveling out East. Not a computer guru but times and answers no longer make since cuz an RCA mom knows WREG.com. That's the official site for school closings for the school. LOL! Guess I'm done.

[always pms]

04:31 PM on 01/06/2012

As mentioned in earlier thread RCA MOM OF 3: Post on local site on this story--WREG.com. You know them...News Channel 3.

[RCA MOM OF 3]

12:21 PM on 01/06/2012

I just want everyone to know I have 3 children RCA and they will not ve returning in the fall due to the new policy! I just want everyone to know last time I checked JESUS died for everyone

[Dr Dee]

08:19 PM on 01/28/2012

True, Jesus did died for everyone but he never changed his the definition of sin. Anything outside sexual relations between a man and woman within the marriage relationship is sin. Like it or not, it is what it is. As for your children, as sad as it is to say, the school will be better off because they are out. Too bad you don't teach them according to the Bible.

[RCA MOM OF 3]

12:16 PM on 01/06/2012

Hi I just want everyone to know that I have 3 children at Rossville and next year they will not be back due to the new policy. Last time I checked Jesus died FOR EVERYONE

[soniaL]

09:32 PM on 01/11/2012

Good for you, I live in Collierville and would never send my children to that narrow minded school!

[Dr Dee]

08:23 PM on 01/28/2012

Good for the school that they WON'T be going to. On behalf of the administrators and parents who are trying to raise God-fearing children in this sin-sick world, THANK YOU FOR KEEPING YOUR KIDS WITH YOU. We have enough headaches dealing with the media and entertainment industries for our children's hearts and souls. Tell us how your children turn out 20 years from now.

[kimo32]

11:50 AM on 01/04/2012

This school should be stripped of any and all Government funding and Tax exemptions. It should be the same for any and all so called Christian (Would Jesus really not speak to me because I am gay?) academies, Churches of any denomination that practices discrimination...period.......another example of how our elected officials from the White House down have not done their jobs...by allowing this bigotry and hate to permeate our schools...

[RCA MOM OF 3]

02:18 PM on 01/06/2012

the school does not get government funding but tey are tax exampt

[KAYLEE BURRIS]

08:58 PM on 01/14/2012

time to take away their exemption status,since their going to abuse children for being who they are

[Dr Dee]

08:26 PM on 01/28/2012

It's a private school. They receive no public funding. I would make a donation to them for upholding these high moral and spiritual standards. God will bless them--Watch and see.

[the taoist]

04:26 PM on 01/02/2012

So this is what Santorum was talking about when he mentioned 'indoctrination camps'...........

[Dr Dee]

08:40 PM on 01/28/2012

No. The indoctrination camps are in public schools where everything is accepted and tolerated. Christian children really have to be spiritually rooted in order to survive a public school education and not come out totally confused on the issue of sin. I am proud of the school for taking the stance and hope other Christian schools will follow suit.

[always pms]

09:00 PM on 12/30/2011

It's open house at Rossville Christian Academy January 19th for new students. No word yet if there's an "open house" on the discussion of their newest policy...Been busy on the local front. See you found your way to this website rcaparent23. And again, thank you for your honest feelings on the website that provided this story to this publication.

[RCA MOM OF 3]

12:37 PM on 01/06/2012

There never is it is hard to beleive I pay for this stuff but not next year bye RCA

[Dr Dee]

08:41 PM on 01/28/2012

BYE!

[GoFig]

07:08 PM on 12/30/2011

Amazing how institutions of "education" can be so "ignorant".

[rcaparent23]

03:26 PM on 12/30/2011

I believe 100% that as a school, RCA's first priority is to educate my child, to prepare them for the future. I could debate on whether I believe that this policy is un-Christian like or of strong Christian value, but honestly my main concern is that my child is prepared. I believe that creating a policy like this is a great dis-service to all the students at RCA. Telling them that they can distance themselves from others because the are homosexual is ridiculous. What happens when these children make it to the real world. When one of their dorm mates is homosexual and our Students act on it or out in the work place a student openly displays his or her distaste for a co-workers lifestyle. The "real" world will not tolerate it.I am more than saddened by these events and my heart goes out to the young man, I admire him for his strength through these events. To enact a policy in the middle of a school year not allowing students and parents the ability to respond or give input is in no way the correct way to run a school. I hope people know that this policy does not actually reflect all of the citizens of Rossville or the families attending the school. This policy was snuck in by an administrator and a board who apparently did not feel the need for input from the families who pay their salary or elect them.

[been2there]

02:19 AM on 01/02/2012

Teaching your child homophobia, even by silence, is not preparing your child for the real world. RCA is doing its students a disservice, and you should protest.

[Jo Hargis]

12:02 PM on 01/02/2012

@rcaparent23: I respect your opinions, but you said, what happens when the child reaches the real world? That's exactly right. But if you or any other parent keeps their child in a school that promotes this kind of bigotry, then you are condoning their behavior. You say you want your child prepared for the real world, yet you enrolled your child in a school that purposely denies science by deleting evolution from the curriculum. Why can't you teach your children your religious beliefs at home and at church, and let school be for teaching of secular subjects? Any parent who allows their child to go to a school like this gets what they deserve someday when they see their child grow up to be a bigot. Plain and simple. Seriously, people, this kind of behavior will NEVER end if people just stay complacent and do nothing. It's time to tell all bigots and racists and homophobes....their agenda is NOT acceptable and we won't accept it in our country.

[Grogger]

04:38 PM on 01/02/2012

Face it, for some folks, the mindset and bigotry practiced by this school IS the real world and they have no desire at all to ever break out of it. It's about unconditional acceptance of dogma and loyalty to your tribe. It's an ugly truth.

[rcaparent23]

07:44 PM on 01/02/2012

I chose RCA for several reasons. First being in my area RCA this school provides the best education for my child. I had two other options within 25 miles a Montessori school and a public school who has nit managed to pass state standards in the last several years. I do not regret my choice past that up until this year I viewed RCA as a school that could teach Christian values without cramming them down their throats. This year has been very different with the removal of evolution from curriculum and this horrific policy. I don't believe sensing my child to a school with religious ties promoted bigotry anymore than sensing them to any other. My child loves RCA and I have been more than pleased with it's teachers... I am hoping for a rude awakening for this administration and hopefully some serious enlightenment on their behalf.

[lilpeg]

10:12 AM on 12/29/2011

I live in the area. This is not at all surprising. Those folks are scared of everything!

[RCA MOM OF 3]

02:50 PM on 01/06/2012

no they are not scared they are just very hateful nd mean. If you are not like them do not like you.

[Dr Dee]

08:44 PM on 01/28/2012

Sounds like your child is the one they don't want to come back. Good riddance. Not hate, just fact.

[John Ramsey001]

09:47 AM on 12/29/2011

Good for the school. At least they are trying to protect the student.

[MonikaMagick]

12:36 PM on 12/29/2011

Protect them? From what, biology?

[Dr Dee]

08:45 PM on 01/28/2012

No, from sexual sin.

[roach tim]

11:49 AM on 01/02/2012

heck, why not just bring back whitch burning too......