Quite a contrast

Not only have other Christian colleges (like Messiah College in Grantham, PA) managed to welcome the Equality Riders for dialogue without compromising their scriptural beliefs, the Riders are also being honored for their service to the cause of mutual understanding and social justice by elected officials. In addition to the text below, which was inserted into the Congressional Record, see the proclamation from the New York City Council – hat tip to Matt of InterstateQ.

The administration of Patrick Henry College should be ashamed.

Congressional Record
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2007
House of Representatives

The Equality Ride

Hon. Jerrold L. Nadler
of New York
in the House of Representatives

Madame Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an extraordinary group of young adults – – The Equality Riders – – who have dedicated two months of their lives traveling thousands of miles, visiting 32 colleges and universities around the country and talking to countless students, faculty members and staff in pursuit of social justice.

The spirit of The Equality Ride was born out of the recognition that homophobia is globally pervasive and that no country, state, city, community or school escapes its reach. The Equality Ride offers a unique opportunity for student activists to dedicate their time and energy in the pursuit of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered equality through the practice of nonviolent resistance and educational campaigns.

I embrace the spirit of The Equality Ride and these leaders in the fight for social justice. The participants of the Equality Ride as well as its supporters have changed numerous lives, raised awareness and challenged notions regarding homosexuality through both on and off campus activities.

While conducting their work on the various campuses, riders confront some of their harshest critics and engage in structured dialogue with the academic community through classroom presentations, panel discussions, school-wide forums and film screenings as well as informal interactions. Outside of the college and university campuses, communities have welcomed the riders to share in worship, potlucks, fundraisers and meetings.

I applaud these riders and their supporters who have tirelessly waged a campaign of truth based on the nonviolent practices of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi to end the cycle of fear and misunderstanding that causes this vicious form of prejudice. As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, it is my great honor to pay tribute to these visionary young people and congratulate them on their courage, determination and dedication.