Christian School Expels 8-Year-Old for Crush on Another Girl

An Oklahoma school expelled an 8-year-old for her girl crush.

Chloe, a former student at Rejoice Christian Schools in Owasso, had told a female classmate that she had feelings for her. In response, the vice principal called her in for a meeting to lecture her about how the Bible forbids same-sex relationships.

"My daughter was crying, saying 'does God still love me?'" Chloe's mother, Delanie Shelton, told KOKH, a local Fox affiliate.

After the meeting, Shelton was asked to pick her daughter up from school. Upon arriving, she recounted that the vice principal asked her about her views on "girls liking girls." The school official "looked shocked and appalled" when the mother replied, "If we're being honest, I think it's OK."

The following day, Shelton received a phone call informing her that Chloe and her 5-year-old brother were no longer welcome as students. Now, due to these antigay views, Shelton must find another school for her children in the midst of a pandemic.

"They ripped my kids out of the only school they've ever really known, away from their teachers and friends they've had over the past four years, over something my daughter probably doesn't know or fully understand," Shelton said.

Rejoice does not address the topic of same-sex attraction in its handbook -- although it does prohibit "boyfriend/girlfriend relationships." The Tulsa-area institution describes itself as "a Christian school that provides students with excellence in education and strength in character so that students will be spiritually, intellectually, physically, and socially equipped to impact their community and the world for Christ."

While Chloe said she felt "really sad and betrayed and kind of angry" because of what occurred, she was heartened by the supportive response from others. "I feel so loved and supported, thank you so much to everyone who helped me feel better for being who I am," she told KOKH.