Religious Freedom What Does It Mean?

Suppose you are evangelical minister and works at a public university what does religious freedom mean?

Administrator at Public College Angers Supporters of Gay Rights
Inside High Ed
By Scott Jaschik
July 26, 2021


Logan Fowler is the director of marketing and communications at Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho. He is also the pastor of the Truth Baptist Church.

In the latter role, he has made videos that criticize gay and lesbian people, The Moscow-Pullman Daily News reported. He said in the videos that gay pride parades suggest the acceptance of pedophilia, and that the idea of “coming for your children” is a central belief of the gay “agenda.” He also criticizes transgender athletes and calls gay and lesbian people "vile."

Some students and faculty members are questioning how Fowler can perform in both of his roles.

At a recent open meeting, President Cynthia Pemberton defended his ability to do his job. Pemberton said the college “respects the First Amendment rights of its employees to express their personal beliefs. However, LC State itself supports and values the rights and dignity of all persons.”

Fowler did not attend the open meeting but gave a statement to reporters. “I have an impeccable 15-year track record that verifies my ability to be respectful in the workplace,” he said. “I have held and practiced my faith for all 15 of these years.”

The Lewiston Morning Tribune wrote about a protest march,

Pride event puts focus on love and acceptance
Residents organized walk in response to videos of sermons from Lewiston's Truth Baptist Church
By William L. Spence of the Tribune
July 19, 2021


Members and supporters of Lewiston's LGBTQ community shared a “Mr. Rogers” moment Sunday, coming together to wave Pride flags and offer words of love and acceptance.

About 25 people took part in the event. After meeting at Trevitt Park behind the former Lewiston Civic Theatre building, they walked a few blocks to the Episcopal Church on Eighth Street, waved at passing cars for an hour or so, and then walked back.
[…]
Members of the Episcopal Church reached out to offer their support for the peaceful demonstration. The reader board in front of the church said, “God made the rainbow and called it good.”
[…]
“If you're unsure that you have support or are anxious about who you are, there are those who will love and support you, regardless,” Pierce said.

They didn’t want him fired but marched in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community to show them that Lewiston has their back. The minster has not let his religious beliefs interfere with his job, so far he has treated everyone equally.

If the university fired him because of his religious beliefs would be wrong and set a horrible precedent, and it would probably violate the First Amendment.

As much as we detest religious bigots as long as it is just words there is not much we can do. I had a person follow me down the street one time telling me that I was a sinner and going to hell, as long as the woman didn’t threaten me there is not much that we can do.


That woman who was damning me to hell was getting the disgusting look not me, it was her that people thought was disturbing the peace.