NBC, by Davis Raile: A large group of demonstrators gathered outside the administration building at Walla Walla University on Tuesday morning, protesting and advocating for LGBTQ+ members on campus.
The walkout, which began at 10:45 a.m., was sparked by several alleged incidents, including one involving a student, Ross Gurule. Gurule, who ran for the Associated Students of Walla Walla University president, claimed he was removed from the race after the administration discovered he had a same-sex partner.
“I was totally taken off guard by this. It was something I never expected,” Gurule said. “There’s no policy, there’s nothing that has ever been stated or said that would let us know that this could be a thing.”
Gurule noted that the demonstration was an important starting point. He believes it showed the university that students care about the issues faced by LGBTQ members.
Heidi Kissinger, a Walla Walla University student who helped organize the walkout, reiterated that they were protesting for fair and equal treatment.
“What we mainly want on campus is just a feeling of unity that students can express themselves freely without worrying about backlash,” said Kissinger. “And that means if people have different political views, of different backgrounds, of different ethnicities, of different cultures; they can come together freely and express those differences.”
Kelsi Dos Santos, director for marketing and university relations at Walla Walla University, provided Nonstop Local with a statement regarding the day’s events:
“In general, Walla Walla University maintains institutional values according to the mission and expectations of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. While we seek to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, we expect of our campus leaders a heightened advocacy for and modeling of Seventh-day Adventist beliefs and behaviors.”
When asked to confirm if the demonstration had occurred on school property that day, Dos Santos said they were unable to provide Nonstop Local with in-person interview, or more than the statement provided (above).
Prophetic Link:
“For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature. And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.” Romans 1:26-27.
Comments
William Stroud
Saturday March 22nd, 2025 at 09:52 AMIf a person chooses to be in a same sex relationship they are free to make that choice and to live how theu choose, as long as they are not harming anyone. It is a lifestyle that deviates from the norm but I will defend their right to choose. The school chooses to uphold Christian, moral values. They must have the right to employ people who support those same values. If a person chooses to be LG or B, that is up to them but when applying for employment at a Christian school they might want to make mention of their lifestyle choice, perhaps during the interview, to see if it is going to be a problem. So-called”trans” or “queer” identifying people are in a different category. They have, “gender dysphoria”, a mental disorder and personally I would not hire them until they were treated. Even then it’s a little sketchy. What if a white supremacist applied for a job without notifying the employer and it was discovered later to be so. I bet no one would have a problem with that person being let go. God allows us to choose. I hope we all choose wisely. Choose Jesus who loves you and died for you. He’s coming soon.