Belmont University - Lisa Howe Controversy

Lisa Howe Controversy

Belmont University became a catalyst for anti-discrimination protests in December 2010, when women's soccer coach Lisa Howe allegedly lost her job at the university on the 2nd of December after announcing that she was having a child with her same sex partner. Howe's dismissal sparked protests from students and from local and national gay-rights advocates. These events led to a city-wide anti-discrimination ordinance being passed by the Nashville City Council in January 2011. On January 26, 2011, President Bob Fisher announced that Belmont has added sexual orientation to the university's non-discrimination policies. Belmont is a Christian university which was widely regarded for its progressive ideals until the controversy broke out over Howe's departure. The college was criticized for not allowing a group with a mission to support gay students and explore the intersection of Christianity and homosexuality called Bridge Builders to officially form as a student group. At a news conference, Fisher stated that they had resubmitted the application. On February 27th, 2011, Belmont University officially recognized the gay student organization for the first time. Belmont Provost Thomas Burns and Bridge Builders President Robbie Maris announced the decision to recognize the student group in a joint statement on Friday. Presently, Lisa Howe is serving as the executive director of the Nashville Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Chamber of Commerce