Student refuses
to back down after disparaging gays online

A Duquesne University sophomore said he will risk being expelled for expressing his view that homosexuality is "subhuman" rather than write a 10-page essay the university has called for. Ryan Miner, 19, of Hagerstown, Md., was sanctioned by the university for posting his view on an online forum not related to the university. He opposed an effort by other students to form a gay-straight alliance group, an issue being debated by the Catholic university, located in Pittsburgh. "I believe as a student that my First Amendment rights in the Constitution were subverted and attacked," said Miner, who is Catholic. After his comments appeared online, some students complained to the school. After a hearing, the office of judicial affairs found Miner guilty of violating the University Code, which prohibits harassment or discrimination based on, among other traits, sexual orientation. The paper was assigned as punishment, which Miner said he will appeal. (AP)