Students throughout the country walked out of their college classes on Oct. 11. It was a national protest against religious schools’ alleged treatment of LGBTQIA+ students organized by the Black Menaces, an activist group started at Brigham Young University known for its viral TikToks, and the Religious Exemption Accountability Project.
About two dozen Asbury students joined the demonstration which took place between Hughes Chapel and Kinlaw Library.
Dani Grace, an Asbury student and active member of campus community, led the walkout.
Before the protest began, there were clear guidelines stated online and demands by the protestors. Among the guidelines, “Do not post pictures, videos, names, or any other information of others without their consent.” The guidelines also stated that “violent behavior, profanity, insults or discriminatory language will not be tolerated.”
The demands of the protestors included:
“Basic Human Respect and clearer communication between students and administration.” “Explicit protection of students against discrimination for gender and sexuality in academic, leadership, and employment positions as well as enrollment status” and that “staff, faculty, and students permitted to have pronouns in their email signatures.”
Further, that the school “provide gender/sexuality training for staff and faculty” and “eliminate discrimination of staff and faculty based on affirming views of sexuality.”
Finally, that “staff and faculty intentionally adhere to students’ chosen names and pronouns.”
As students stood listening to Grace speak, there was a clear divide between those participating in the walkout and the students gathering to observe it.
“Organizing this, I was scared that people wouldn’t show up,” Grace said. “I was scared that the administration would automatically shut it down. I was scared for the safety of the students… I was a little bit concerned about it becoming unpeaceful.”
Observers listened as Grace quoted from what she said are anonymous student stories.
‘“We are constantly dehumanized by the weapon of hate you call love,” Grace said. “I am here. See me.”
One anonymous student story stated that, “staff and chapel speakers often talk like there could be no queer students in the audience. Like we couldn’t possibly be Christian.”
Many stories claimed to highlight the stories of students who are actively practicing their Christian faith that has been diminished due to their sexuality they say.
“I am a Christian, and I am gay,” said another student. “And your loveless theology cannot take that away.”
Many student protestors said that they recognize many Christians will not acknowledge their argument due to their belief that these lifestyles are sinful.
“There is a strong biblical basis for LGBTQ inclusion as full bearers of the image of God,” one student stated in an interview.
Another protestor put it this way: “We’re not expecting to be agreed with on this. We are simply asking that we be treated with the respect and love that Jesus would have shown us that people on this campus have not given us yet. All we are asking for is ears and hearts that are open with God’s love.”