LGBTQ+ students demand investigation of Fresno Pacific for causing ‘irrevocable damage’
Last November, Fresno Pacific University denied a request from students to start an LGBTQ+ Pride club at the private, Christian college, citing “inconsistency” with its policies and alignment with the Mennonite faith.
That didn’t deter students from starting the club and partnering with local faith organizations to host monthly meetings off-campus.
It didn’t deter them from returning to the campus on Thursday to protest what they say is “the administration’s continuous neglect of LGBTQ+ students.”
More than two dozen students, alumni, and community and faith leaders marched to the university’s campus green carrying handmade signs and waving pride flags. Chants from the crowd could be heard around the green.
“This is what Christianity looks like.”
The demonstration, organized by the Birds for Pride (named after the university’s sunbird mascot), was designed to draw attention to the university’s history with the LGBTQ+ community and happened as representatives from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges were visiting are school. WASC is the accrediting body for California schools.
“The LGBTQ+ students of Fresno Pacific University are calling on WASC to open an investigation into Fresno Pacific University’s practices,” Justin St. George, the Birds for Pride president, said in a statement released before the march.
“President Joseph Jones time and time again refused to speak with LGBTQ+ students and even attempted to obstruct the student body and faculty over the last year. President Jones has caused irrevocable damage by leading with his cognitive bias, and not his Christian values. He has endangered the standing of the Central Valley’s only accredited Christian institution and has exposed the school to potential financial and legal liabilities.”
When asked about the demonstration on Thursday, the university referred to a statement issued by the school’s board and president following the denial of the LGBTQ+ Pride club. In it, the board said it after “careful consideration,” to the club, but found establishing the club “was not consistent with the Confession of Faith of the university,” or the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.
The university did name a “safe space person” to whom students can speak confidentially, to seek support and understanding regarding various matters pertaining to sexuality.
“Fresno Pacific University will continue to welcome all eligible students who desire a Christian education among students, faculty and staff from multiple denominations. While the university remains clear in its view of biblical standards for sexuality and marriage, also clear is the tension between this deep conviction and the desire to show compassion and care toward students that identify as LGBTQ+ or experience same-sex attraction,” according to the statement.
Following the march, the group hopes to present WASC representatives with a petition from the online Christian community group Faithful America, which collected more than 11,000 signatures echoing the call for an investigation.
St. George could be seen carrying the book-sized petition throughout the march.
“We’re not done amplifying our voices,” he said. “The support is here.”
Simon Biasell, a Fresno pastor, FPU alumnus and adjunct professor, spoke at the demonstration, calling for the university to live up to its Christian principles.
“There are moments in the Bible when Jesus got angry. Like, really, angry,” Biasell said in a speech that at times sounded like a sermon. But Jesus wasn’t angered by abortion or homosexuality, Biasell said. He was most angered by religious leaders who used their power to discriminate against others.
“He couldn’t get over this idea,” Bisaell said. “Diversity is Christian. Exclusion is heresy.”
This story was originally published March 16, 2022 at 2:55 PM.