Nashville Christian School Rejects Two-Dad Family

A Christian school in Nashville has rejected two children because the siblings have two dads -- one of whom happens to be a minister.

Real estate agent Brian Copeland and Covenant of the Cross pastor Greg Bullard wanted to send their young son and daughter to a nondenominational Christian school called Davidson Academy, reports The Tennessean.

But Copeland's appointment with the school this month was canceled, and a letter from the school made it clear that it was because Copeland and Bullard head a two-dad family.

Copeland shared the school's letter on Facebook, with the name of the school blocked out. It quotes from the school handbook:

"[The school] requires all students, parents or guardians, teachers, administrators, staff and trustees to manifest lifestyle conduct and actions which project an image consistent with the expressed purposes, mission and beliefs of the school. Any lifestyle conduct which is in opposition to the mission of [the school] or which impedes the school's credibility with its constituency or the general public is unacceptable. One example of such lifestyle is homosexuality."

The letter goes on to address Copeland directly:

"[Name blocked out] shared with me that during your phone conversation you indicate that you are the spouse of the pastor of Covenant of the Cross Church in Madison. ... With this information, we must conclude that the paragraph above as quoted from the school's Handbook applies in your situation. ...

"Just as you believe strongly in affirming all persons who worship at your church, we believe strongly in a strict interpretation of the Scriptures regarding the institution of marriage. I believe another education provider would be a better fit for your children."

Along with the letter, Copeland wrote a note on Facebook indicating that he decided to share it "to let my friends know that discrimination affects people you know and love and still hurts no matter how many times you go through it. We chose this school because of its rigorous faith-based K-12 academics and extra curricular activities; and, a friend with a son there asked them if a family like ours would be allowed and was told yes. ...

"It's not about me getting my way. My children will not go there under this person's administration. It's about telling the story that there are real faces and feelings that open letters like this. We want the best for our kids, and THEY deserve to be given a chance."

In a press release from the Human Rights Campaign, Ellen Kahn, director of the HRC Foundation's Children, Youth and Families Program, said the school "contradicted its own Christian values with this decision."

"Discrimination is not a Christian value," she said. "We sincerely hope that Davidson Academy will not only recognize their mistake, but also engage in efforts to make their school a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all children and their families."