KEF Condemns Funding To University

kypost.com — Kentucky Equality Federation today condemned the allocation of $1.2 million dollars in federal funding to the University of the Cumberlands.

The funds will be used to help construct a health and wellness center for students, faculty and community members and a new science and technology building for the university. U.S. Representative Hal Rogers (R) requested a total of 4 million dollars for projects at the University of the Cumberlands.

“Kentucky Equality Federation remains opposed to allocating any public funds to an institution that discriminates against a minority group,” stated President Jordan Palmer. “If all the citizens of the Commonwealth cannot enjoy the new facilities this money will bring, it must be challenged. Separation of Church and State must be maintained; funding a facility which will reject gay and lesbian people is unacceptable.”

Palmer concluded, “Kentucky Equality Federation will weigh all available options with its legal counsel and urge the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky to do the same.”

Halyn Roth, Kentucky Equality Federation’s Regional Director for Southern Kentucky added, “The University of the Cumberlands is an institution of learning and is meant to inspire young minds to become the leaders of tomorrow, but with the backwards policies of the University leaders, they are indeed causing the downfall of progress as we know it.”

In 2007 Kentucky Equality Federation co-sponsored the 2007 Soulforce/Equality Ride at the University of the Cumberlands. Dozens of gay and lesbian activists were arrested and community members held signs reading “You Will Be Judged,” and “Repent Now,” among others. Nick Herweck, now Kentucky Equality Federation’s Treasurer spent most of the day directing representatives from Soulforce to the Whitley County Jail to post bond for those arrested.

Kentucky Post

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