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WNIN continuing coverage of a federal lawsuit against the University of Evansville and former theater professor Scott Lank for alleged racial and sexual harassment.

UE Affirms Commitment To Inclusion After Vote By Methodist Leaders

Isaiah Seibert
/
WNIN

The University of Evansville (UE) says it’s re-affirming its “commitment to creating an inclusive environment.”

The announcement comes on the heels of a vote by the United Methodist General Conference.

A slight majority of delegates to the Conference voted Tuesday for what’s called the Traditional Plan. It upholds the church’s ban on performing same-sex marriages and ordaining LGBT people.  

In an email to members of the UE community, President Chris Pietruszkiewicz says that although the university is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, it operates independently from church leaders.

He says the school is committed to what he calls a policy of inclusiveness that prohibits discrimination based on, among other things, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Debates over sexuality and gender identity have been contentious in the Methodist church ahead of the meeting of the General Conference in St. Louis.

Another option on the table was the so-called One Church Plan, which would’ve left decisions on these issues up to individual churches and regional bodies.