University bans students raising money for homeless LGBT youth

A Christian University in Michigan has allegedly banned students from raising money for homeless LGBT youth.

Students at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, claim that they were forced to cancel a charity bake sale after the university told them that it would “conflict” with the school’s “mission and practices”.

The university’s gay-straight alliance, AULL4One – who were behind the proposed bake sale – have said in a statement that were unable to advertise the charity event due to the university’s affiliation with the church.

“There are about 80 individuals currently in the group, majority of them queer, but that has only been accomplished through word of mouth,” the group told Blue Nation.

“Administration knows we exist, they allow us to exist, and some administrators even champion the group’s existence. But unfortunately, we are unable to advertise our meetings and events on campus,” they added.

In a statement following the controversy, the university said that its students can support LGBT homeless youths, but only if it is through organisations that “align with the religious mission” of the university.

“As a result, we can and will support LGBT homeless youth through organizations whose mission and purpose clearly align with the religious mission and purpose of our university and its sponsoring church. We invite our student clubs to find the appropriate organizations and opportunities to do just that,” said officials.

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