Gay couple’s son turned away from pre-kindergarten by private school
By Will Stroude
A child has been turned away from a private school’s pre-kindergarten program in Nashville, Tennessee after the school objected to the fact he was part of a same-sex family.
Brian Copeland and Greg Bullard – who are married with a son and an 8-month-old daughter – were stunned to receive a letter from the non-denominational school rejecting their son on the grounds that they ‘strongly believe in a strict interpretation of the Scriptures regarding the institution of marriage’.
The couple had scheduled a visit to Davidson Academy to discuss enrolling their son, but had their visit cancelled after the school discovered that their children were being raised by two gay men.
In a letter sent to the couple on January 14, the school said: “I believe another education provider would be a better fit for your children. Therefore, we cannot grant admission to your children.”
The letter added that the school’s admissions policy requires all students, parents, guardians, teachers and administrators and staff to “manifest lifestyle conduct and actions which project an image consistent with the expressed purposes, missions and beliefs of the school.”
After sharing the letter on Facebook, Copeland wrote that he wanted to “let my friends know that discrimination affects people you know and love and still hurts no matter how many times you go through it.
“We chose this school because of its rigorous faith-based K-12 academics and extracurricular activities; and, a friend with a son there asked them if a family like ours would be allowed and was told yes.”
He added that a divorced applicant had been offered an appointment with no problems.
“Sadly enough, an acquaintance called the school this morning and told them she had been through a divorce because she cheated and that she now lives with her three kids and her boyfriend. The administrator welcomed them with open arms and offered an appointment.
“We want the best for our kids, and THEY deserve to be given a chance.”
While Brian and Greg say they do not want to take legal action against the school, their options would be sadly limited anyway: just 21 US states have outlawed discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and Tennessee is not one of them.
Read the letter the couple were sent below:
Meanwhile, a gay couple have been left “upset and angry” after being told to stop kissing by a McDonald’s employee in Leicester – click here to read more.
More stories:
Watch: Take a peek at the Attitude Naked Issue 2015!
Interview: Tyger Drew-Honey talks ‘Death in Paradise’, porn and teen sexuality