Gay student attending Christian Nursing school?

Purple_roses · Aug 1, 2015

The Catholic university in my area, Notre Dame, does not discriminate against sexual orientation. Not all of them do. That being said, heavily research the schools' websites to be sure.

Emergent, RN · Aug 1, 2015

I think you should not stereotype Christians as being gay bashers. Having said that, some private Protestant colleges have moral clauses and enforce them. They expect their students to live the moral life that aligns with their conservative denomination. large Catholic universities don't compare with the type I'm referring to. They enforce these codes on heterosexual students as well.

If it's one of these, you might consider more comfortable (and less expensive) colleges that are more secular in nature.

Miss Infermiera2b, BSN, RN · Aug 1, 2015

I think you should not stereotype Christians as being gay bashers. Having said that, some private Protestant colleges have moral clauses and enforce them. They expect their students to live the moral life that aligns with their conservative denomination. large Catholic universities don't compare with the type I'm referring to. They enforce these codes on heterosexual students as well.If it's one of these, you might consider more comfortable (and less expensive) colleges that are more secular in nature.

I don't think this student is stereotyping all Christians. I used to be extremely religious years ago and almost attended a Christian university known for expelling students who violated their "moral contract". Personally, I would be pretty uncomfortable attending a school where your biology education might not be as complete as a secular education, but that's just me. Might want to talk to the schools in particular to find out more details.

allnurses Guide · Aug 2, 2015

Hi gpark32- I think that some Christian schools are philosophically more open and tolerant and some are not. You will be attending with fellow students who may have attitudes that make the school's philosophy of tolerance irrelevant.

I would put a lot of thought and research into each school you are considering and really visualize what it would be like going to school with people who are intolerant or even hostile toward your sexual orientation. Nursing programs, especially in small schools require you spend a lot of time with the same people.

BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN · Aug 2, 2015

I think if you're that worried, move on and apply to a public school.

ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN · Aug 2, 2015

I can appreciate your concerns. I attended a conservative Christian university while earning my undergraduate degree. There was a moral contract that all students signed- including: not consuming alcohol, engaging in premarital sex, same sex relations, and viewing Mediaographic material to name a few. My sexual orientation is often not a topic of conversation. In fact, I don't discus my orientation unless asked or engaged in conversation about spouses. I feel as though it is a very small part of me and therefore, doesn't warrant an announcement or discussion. There were times when homosexuality was discussed in regards to nursing care and quite honestly, I was uncomfortable. A few of the students made it clear how they felt which concerns me should they ever have a gay patient. I also lived about 70 miles from campus- so I was able to separate my personal life from my academic life.

I completed my MSN at a public university and currently working on my doctorate at the same university. Again, I don't discuss my orientation- not because I am embarrassed or concerned that I would be discriminated against, but because it isn't a focal point. This is a tough one, I know. I kept my eye on the prize, not really caring about how others perceived me. There was always a real possibility of the administrators discovering my orientation and kicking me out of the program.

Have you looked into other programs at state/public universities?

TitusNoir · Aug 2, 2015

As a fellow gay nursing school hopeful, all I can say is..."why?" I would try to apply for one of the public schools first. This would be a huge investment (of time, money, and otherwise) to have expulsion due to sexual orientation lurking as a possibility.

And yes, it is true you should not make generalizations about all Christians. After all, there are gay Christians. However, the chances are high that someone will at least mention it. Even if it's not in a "I hate you, fall to your knees and repent right now way," someone may try to evangelize to you. Is that something you think you can handle?

Emergent, RN · Aug 2, 2015

All it would take is one right-wing homophobe whose 'gaydar' you set off. He could turn you into administration. I'm sure most people would be fine, but if you have to sign a moral clause to attend, you would be sunk.

Be patient! Besides, the private Christian colleges are super expensive. Wait to get into a public college. Incidentally, I attended community college in Calif, 23 years ago, it's super cheap for residents, or at least was at the time.

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Aug 2, 2015

Wow am I naive! I was about to answer that while attending a conservative college might not be the most comfortable environment for a gay student that expulsion certainly shouldn't be a concern. Then I read some of the responses and was educated that it is indeed a possibility depending on the moral clauses of the school.

My question to those that are aware of these moral clauses; how is this even legal? I can understand clauses excluding illegal activities and even questionable activities like appearing on the next installment of girls gone wild but isn't sexual orientation one of the things that can not be discriminated against by law?

So I guess my advice OP is to do as others have suggested. Completely research the schools you are considering and steer clear of one that will openly discipline students based on sexual orientation. Heck, steer clear of a school with an environment that isn't accepting of homosexuality. Even if the school doesn't openly discriminate a super conservative environment likely wouldn't be a comfortable fit. Nursing school is hard enough as it is without that added pressure.

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 2, 2015

isn't sexual orientation one of the things that can not be discriminated against by law?

Sexual orientation isn't yet protected by federal law. Many states also do not include orientation in anti discrimination laws. In fact, while gay marriage has been legal in my state for over a year, we can still be discriminated against in employment, housing, etc.

slauren · Aug 2, 2015

Go visit the schools and see if you get comfortable vibes. Maybe make an appointment with advisors and just discuss the programs with them to see which you may like better. You don't have to tell people you are gay.

I attended a christian based medical college and everyone was very nice to everyone. I noticed that it was more positive than a regular college, everyone supported each other. You get close knit with your classmates. Plus, they are going to be nurses, if they can't respect gay people then they are in the wrong profession. I can understand how you would be concerned, I have a friend who is gay and he's gone through some tough times. Just be yourself, there are going to people who like you for you.