College student’s First Amendment rights upheld

College student’s First Amendment rights upheld

INDIANA, Pa. — A student kicked out of a Christianity class for saying there are only two genders has been reinstated to the class.

Lake Ingle, a religious studies major at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), was removed from the class “Christianity 481: Self, Sin and Salvation” by feminist theology professor Alison Downie after stating in class that he believes there are only two genders and disputing the existence of “white male privilege.” Ingle’s remarks followed a presentation by transgender ex-pastor Paula Stone Williams.

IUP President Michael Driscoll announced at a press conference March 19 his decision to go against Downie’s request to ban Ingle from class for “disruptive behavior.” Not finishing the class would have postponed his graduation.

In an email sent to the entire campus community, Driscoll expressed disappointment that “in the presence of a test of our devotion to the First Amendment and to the IUP Way, we fell short as a community.” Ingle told Fox News he was surprised but happy with the president’s decision. (TAB)