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from Gay Activism in the Schools
Former Indiana University Student
Describes Efforts To Challenge Pro-Gay Ideology On Campus
Michael Knapp has conducted an educational campaign to counter the misinformation surrounding homosexuality to IU student leaders but is meeting resistance. He recounts his story below.
By Michael Knapp
I was a former resident assistant at Indiana University in 1995 and 1996. As a
resident assistant, I was asked to participate in a two-day seminar during Gay
Pride Week conducted by a homosexual panel. At the seminar we heard personal
testimonies from practicing homosexuals. I don't remember the seminar in great
detail. However, I do remember leaving the seminar believing that homosexuals
were born gay, and that I needed to accept the lifestyle as if it were normal.
This October [2004], I sent packets of information on the science behind
homosexuality supporting the Christian worldview to more than 35 resident
assistants at Indiana University Halls of Residence. Immediately after
receiving the packets of information, I received two emails from the Halls of
Residence staff. Robert Weith, the director wrote and told me to stop sending
this type of information. I was told that the Department of Residence Life must
approve all diversity programming.
The second email came from Bill Shipton. Bill is responsible for diversity
programming within the Halls of Residence. Bill's response was the following:
"Michael, I find the letter and CD very disturbing. I have no idea how you got
hooked into this dangerous and bogus group [NARTH], but I find it insulting and
factually outrageous." Bill also told me to cease from making any form of
contact with him.
I was unable to ask Bill how it's culturally "diverse" to conduct seminars
supporting a "gay gene" but refuse to review or even consider any solid
scientific information supporting the Christian worldview.
Shortly after my contact with these individuals, I spoke with the head of a
Christian organization on campus who would like to remain anonymous. He chooses
to remain anonymous because of what may happen to his organization if he shares
his viewpoints openly. This individual informed me that over the last 10 years
it's become increasingly more difficult to have a platform for teaching Biblical
truths on campus.
He informed me that there is this strong diversity push that's taking an
"anti-hate" approach to pro-gay programming. They are preaching that any group
that is not open to all beliefs shouldn't be allowed on campus. They feel
Christianity isn't palatable. To say that homosexuality is a sin or that Jesus
Christ is alive, is a closed minded and hateful belief system, according to
their thinking. Therefore, organizations that teach such ideas should be
silenced. He suggested that ministers who teach tolerance for homosexuality
have more freedoms to do programming within the dormitories. Actually,
ministers who teach that there is nothing wrong with homosexuality from a
Biblical perspective have joined forces with the Halls of Residence to do
pro-gay programming immediately upon a student's arrival at I.U.
This same mindset is flooding many of our institutions of supposedly "higher
learning." If the door isn't already closed for the Christian worldview, it's
quickly closing. We need to respond. The question is how.
Most universities across the country have a Campus Crusade or similar Christian
organization. These organizations are prefect training-grounds for teaching our
college age how to respond. If we can provide appropriate training to college
ministers, small group leaders, etc., they may have more freedom to do
presentations in dormitory settings. However, there is a huge lack of
appropriate educational materials.
The staff at NARTH has resources that can help equip us with the correct tools
to present the information effectively. I encourage everyone to contact
universities in your area to find out where they stand. If anyone feels called
to be involved in this type of ministry please contact me at the following
locations.
Michael E. Knapp
lead@evansville.net
2228 E. Mulberry St.
Evansville, IN 47714
812.473.2473
Updated: 8 February 2008
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