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The whistleblowers who exposed the school's Statement of Understanding, which would allow it to expel students with LGBT family members, have a message for their alma mater.
The previously anonymous sources who leaked a Christian high school's anti-LGBT admissions form have come forward.
Morgan Douglas Faulkner, a 2013 graduate of the school in question, Trinity Academy, and former senior class president, admitted to being among a group of alumni responsible for leaking the institution's so-called Statement of Understanding.
As previously reported, the private school in Wichita, Kan., requires applicants and parents to sign this form, which would give Trinity the right to expel or refuse admission to students who are LGBT allies, identify as LGBT, or support LGBT family members.
The form maintained that such "beliefs and practices" run "counter to the standing of a Biblical lifestyle."
Here is the full clause:
Given the debate and confusion in our society about marriage and human sexuality it is vital that Trinity families agree with and support the school's traditional, Christian understanding of those issues. Therefore, when the atmosphere or conduct within a particular home is counter to the school's understanding of a biblical lifestyle, including the practice or promotion of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) lifestyle or alternative gender identity, the school should have the right, in its sole discretion, to deny the admission of an applicant or discontinue enrollment of a current student.
In a statement forwarded to The Advocate, Faulkner outlined the reasons for releasing the document (and this clause in particular) to the press.
"We leaked this document in order to raise awareness about Trinity's policies to prospective students and parents who are on the fence about sending their children to Trinity for their academics, and ultimately for the greater good," Faulkner wrote.
In response, Faulkner penned an alternative "statement of understanding," which condemned the school's anti-LGBT policy and accused it of "manufacturing shame and moral panic for no cause other than bigotry and deep-seated prejudice."
Moreover, the statement questioned the veracity of a recent press release from Trinity. In response to outrage over the policy, the school stated it "would not and has not denied admission to a student simply because they have a sibling who is gay" and the "whole intent is to make sure families know what we believe so we can partner together successfully for the good of the students."
Faulkner said such a statement "explicity contradicts the legalise within their statement of understanding" and reminded administrators and board members of the school's motto: "Truth. Character. Faith."
The alumnus also had a message to LGBT applicants, students, and alumni of Trinity Academy.
"It is crucial that each and every one of you know that you are not alone in your struggle. Even after leaving or graduating, it can be very difficult to accept yourself for who you truly are," Faulkner wrote.
"We want to help you find the peace that may be eluding you, and we have created a hashtag (#TrinityInsurgency) to raise awareness about these issues. Not just for Trinity students and alumni, but for individuals all over the country and the globe who find themselves in a similar position," Faulkner concluded.
Read Faulkner's full letter here.
