Christian College Fires Gay Soccer Coach Over Instagram Stories

Author: Donald Padgett

A gay soccer coach was fired from her job at a Christian college in Pennsylvania after she posted stories to her private Instagram account saying queer folk are “precious gifts” to the church and that “Jesus is radically inclusive.”

Former women’s soccer coach Kelsey Morrison revealed in a recent post to Facebook she was fired from her job at Geneva College in Beaver Falls last month because of the two stories even though administrators knew she was queer when they hired her in 2021.

“Nine days ago I got suddenly fired from a job I care deeply about at Geneva College for sharing these two stories on my private Instagram two months ago,” Morrison wrote. “I don’t have the best way to do this. I wish I did. The battle between fighting injustices and wanting so deeply to live in peace has taken me on a wild journey.

In an attached letter, Morrison said she was “blindsided” when she met with the school’s human resources department on June 2 for a previously scheduled meeting to discuss her future housing plans. Instead of discussing whether it would be permissible to share an apartment with two male staff members at the school, she was informed her employment at the school was over.

“12 minutes later I was being told to sign a nondisclosure form and I was being asked to sign the form and resign or not sign and be fired,” Morrison wrote of the encounter. “40 minutes later I was turning in my keys and being escorted off campus (which was quite awkward considering I walked to work that day).”

Geneva College issued a statement defending Morrison’s termination by citing the institution’s “biblical views and missional commitments” which it says are based on biblical teachings, recent policies and documents adopted by the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA) as well as others dating back to the 1600s.

“In order to maintain its religious character and identity, the College draws its workforce from among those who are willing to model and annually reaffirm their commitment to the truths captured in these documents,” the statement read. “The College reserves the right to take appropriate action, up to and including separation from employment, if an employee engages in behavior or expression that contradicts or undermines these views.”

Morrison indicated that while she is not happy with the decision, she thanked the school for its initial welcome and expressed hope her story will help others.

“Thank you for giving me space to be myself at Geneva,” Morrison wrote. “Not knowing my story, you accepted me and allowed me to be free, have fun, and laugh in community. I hope knowing my story creates a more expansive vision for many. Keep sharing your story! It is a precious gift and needed!”

Original Article on The Advocate
Author: Donald Padgett