University defends firing of lesbian
Illinois’ State Journal-Register reports officials are defending Benedictine University’s actions leading to the departure of the school’s education director.
Laine Tadlock was forced out last month because her wedding to her partner, Kae Helstrom, was announced in the newspaper. The women were married in Iowa.
Bishop Thomas Paprocki of the Catholic Diocese of Springfield said officials decided it would not be consistent with the university’s mission as a Catholic institution for Tadlock to continue in her job.
Paprocki said it was public disregard “for fundamental Catholic beliefs,” not sexual orientation, that prompted the decision.
Lesbians not allowed to graduate
The Advocate reports two female students in Oklahoma are firing back at their school for refusing to let them graduate after discovering the two are a couple.
Melissa McKenzie, 18, said she was kicked out of Del City High School when the principal found out she was living with her girlfriend.
Kelsey Hicks, McKenzie’s girlfriend, dropped out of school but wanted to finish her education. Upon asking school leaders if she could return, she said they encouraged her to drop out.
School administrators defended their stance, saying neither of the former students filed complaints.
ACLU challenges pay cut for discharged gays
Yahoo News reports the American Civil Liberties Union is suing the government on behalf of a gay former Air Force sergeant denied full separation pay after he was forced out under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
Staff Sgt. Richard Collins said he only wants what is given to other military veterans who leave involuntarily.
The Air Force paid Collins $12,351 instead of the expected $25,702 when he was honorably discharged in March 2006 after nine years.
Separation pay is granted to military personnel who served at least six years but were involuntarily discharged.
But the Department of Defense has a list of conditions that trigger an automatic reduction in that pay, including homosexuality or homosexual conduct.
The ACLU contends the policy could be changed as Congress did not enact it.
— Larry Nichols