On February 4, 2010 John Carroll University, a Jesuit school in suburban Cleveland, was the site of an LGBTQ protest that interrupted a basketball game. At issue is the university’s refusal to provide anti-bias protection employment policies.

University officials are letting LGBTQ colleagues hang out to dry. These officials defend their decision stating that employment policies are based on state and federal laws. Since state and federal law doesn’t include sexual orientation or gender identity and expression protections, they argue, the university doesn’t have to, either. But, as Bridgette P. LaVictoire reports on the blog LezGetReal, this explanation conflicts with an official university statement:

Rather than rely on the limitations provided under current federal and state law, the university strives to achieve a much higher standard based upon its Jesuit and Catholic mission and teachings.

Backpedaling JCU President Robert Niehoff says the policy should not be changed because it would go against “traditional Catholic moral teaching.”

Don’t let us down, John Carroll University! We expect more from an institution of higher learning. Don’t we turn to universities to lead the way in advancing knowledge and eradicating injustice? That’s the idea, anyway. In the meantime: JCU, we’re watching you! And so is Perez Hilton who tweeted, Awesome! RT Watch: Jesuit Students Stage Gay Rights Sit-in at College Game.

The peaceful demonstrators staged a sit-in while the university band played “Hot Stuff.” Police hovered nearby and the protesters were escorted from the floor without incident. You can watch the whole thing here.

P.S. Many thanks to Kate Arons for tipping off Girl With Pen about this issue!