Student had challenged the premise of transgenderism; school said he had been ‘disrespectful’ and ‘angry’
A student who was banished from a religious studies class for challenging some of the tenets of transgender philosophy will be permitted to return to that class, the university announced this week.
Lake Ingle, a student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, was banned from the class after he voiced contrary opinions about transgender ideology. The class had been treated to a video of a Ted Talk by a “transgender woman,” after which the room was opened for discussion. (According to Ingle, the women in the class were permitted to go first, and the men were not allowed to speak until the women were done.)
When called upon by the professor, Ingle “took the opportunity to refer to several official biologists who agree unanimously that there are in fact biological differences between men and women and that there are only two biological genders,” according to Red Elephants.
IUP President Dr. Michael Driscoll announced at a news conference Monday afternoon that he has stopped an investigation by the school’s Academic Integrity Board — for now. He also said he will allow senior Lake Ingle to return to a class he needs to graduate…
“Based on a review of governing policies last week, the student was informed that he is allowed to attend class. I hope he will be in attendance this week and beyond,” said Dr. Driscoll. “To help ensure that a positive learning environment is maintained, I have asked a senior faculty member with significant experience in the First Amendment, and a long career as a successful classroom teacher to join the class as a monitor and mentor to all.”
Dr. Driscoll admits his decision opens him to charges that he’s not following school policy.
However, he said he’s willing to take the risk to restore what he calls “respect and dignity” in the on-campus debate.
Had Ingle not been permitted to return to the class, he would have presumably been prevented from graduating. “I will be battling the university, as well as my instructor, to ensure I am not permanently removed from the class, which would mean my inability to graduate as scheduled this May,” Ingle posted on his Facebook page prior to being reinstated in the class.
MORE: IUP student banished from class for challenging feminist professor
MORE: Conservative students’ ‘Deplorable Radio’ show remains banned from university airwaves
IMAGE: Flickr
Please join the conversation about our stories on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, MeWe, Rumble, Gab, Minds and Gettr.