Belmont U. President Welcomes Gays

After the president of Belmont University said Wednesday that his school welcomes gay and lesbian students and staff, Lisa Howe, the women's soccer coach who was reportedly pressured to leave her job after coming out to administrators, said she welcomes his words but wants to see an actual policy change in writing.

University president Bob Fisher made the announcement Wednesday in a statement, reacting to the uproar on the Nashville campus since Howe left her post. According to earlier reports, Howe told administrators that her partner was pregnant and due to give birth in May. She asked the athletic director whether she could tell her team the news, but he allegedly said that there was no place for gay people in the sports department.

"I congratulate and praise Dr. Fisher for announcing this nondiscrimination policy, which will set an example for Christian schools and universities across the country," Howe said in a statement Thursday. "I look forward to seeing this policy implemented. I intend for my next job to be in a place where I feel safe and welcome. If Belmont is that place, then I will certainly consider reapplying."

Howe's attorney, Abby Rubenfeld, called Fisher's words "a step forward" and offered to help write the nondiscrimination policy.