Baylor Student Fights for His Rights as a Gay

A gay student along with other supporters are taking action to fight for equal rights.

Baylor University’ s George W. Truett Theological Seminary in Waco, Texas, rejected scholarship of Matt Bass, 24. Bass claims he lost his scholarship because he was found out to be gay as he came out to his friends in May 2003.

Bass said, "One of my friends told his girlfriend who happened to tell her sorority, and it spread like wildfire and got around to a pastor of a church. He asked me if I was gay and I told him."

In December Bass received a letter saying he wouldn’t be given scholarship because he was gay, which Bass found unfair.

"The standards for a university scholarship are having a good moral Christian life and high grades. I didn't break any rules," Bass said.

Paul Powell, the seminary's dean, declined to discuss Bass' case with the Associated Press, but said he believes the Bible forbids homosexuality.

"If a person, according to Scripture, which is our standard, is not a part of the kingdom of God, how can they be in training for a minister?"

Darrin Adams, the founder of an unofficial gay student organization on the Baylor campus, said he and other supporters of Bass such as The Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas (LGRL) and Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) are fighting to have Baylor change its policies. According to Adams, alumni have already started a letter-writing campaign on Bass' behalf. LGRL is planning on a rally in March.

Joshua Lamont, a spokesperson for GLSEN, expressed his disappointment about the incident.

"Baylor had an opportunity to demonstrate to other universities and students at all levels that all students, including GLBT students, have equal access to education."

Although he had to drop out of school because he lost his scholarship, Bass said he is not bitter against Baylor. "I'm not against Baylor; I just want them to move forward," he said.

He now plans on attending Emory University in Atlanta.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.