Media leave crucial context out of Karen Pence teaching at a Christian school

As usual, the arbiters of cultural “progressivism” are wrongly enraged about a prominent figure abiding by Christian beliefs – and as usual, Nicole Russell on these pages offers common sense in defense of the faithful Christian.

I write to add just one salient point: Despite many of the media summaries of the story, the allegedly obnoxious employment provision that second lady Karen Pence apparently signed is not one that demonstrates particular bias against homosexuals.

The story at issue is that Pence has resumed teaching at a school that “does not allow gay students,” and otherwise discriminates against homosexuals. Well, that’s a rather slanted way to describe the situation.

The school requires adherence to beliefs that include rejection of all forms of pre- or extramarital sex, specifically including heterosexual activity outside of marriage. It’s not homosexuality per se the school disapproves of; it’s the act of sex except as pro-sanctioned by the Bible. This may sound strange to those with oh-so-modern sensibilities, but it’s hardly invidious discrimination.

Here’s the key provision at issue [emphasis added]:

“I understand that the school reserves the right, within its sole discretion, to refuse admission to an applicant or to discontinue enrollment of a student if the atmosphere or conduct within a particular home, the activities of a parent or guardian, or the activities of the student are counter to, or are in opposition to, the biblical lifestyle the school teaches. This includes, but is not limited to contumacious behavior, divisive conduct, and participating in, supporting, or condoning sexual immorality, homosexual activity or bi-sexual activity, promoting such practices, or being unable to support the moral principles of the school. (Lev. 20:13 and Romans 1:27.) I acknowledge the importance of a family culture based on biblical principles and embrace biblical family values such as a healthy marriage between one man and one woman. My role as spiritual mentor to my children will be taken seriously.”


Yet that crucial context, that the school bans its students from engaging in all forms of sexual activity considered immoral by Christians, is buried (if included at all) in multiple leading news outlets in the bowels of stories beneath headlines and lead paragraphs portraying the school as being particularly “anti-gay.”

Pence has the right to work and to do so at a Christian institution. Christian schools frown on illicit sex. Why is that even a story?

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