Kentucky Fairness Alliance Members Call for Withdrawal of State Funding from the University of the Cumberlands
April 12, 2006

Frankfort --- The Kentucky Fairness Alliance will deliver nearly 400 letters from constituents to Governor Ernie Fletcher today, calling on him to ensure equal opportunities at all institutions that partner with the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The University of the Cumberlands unapologetically dismissed 20-year-old Jason Johnson last week because of his sexual orientation. On Monday, KFA learned that the newly passed state budget includes allocations of more than $10 million dollars to the institution.

Members of the organization responded with messages to the Governor asking him to strip those allocations from the budget using his line-item veto power, or to press for administrative regulations requiring equal opportunity practices of all institutions receiving state funds. "Our 'unbridled spirit' should expand opportunities – not restrict them," reads the standardized letter.

"The Commonwealth of Kentucky has no business financially rewarding discrimination," said Christina Gilgor, KFA executive director. "Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied Kentuckians pay taxes to this state. We're appalled that our dollars will subsidize prejudice against us."

Gilgor will give a statement at the Capitol press office at 2:00 p.m. before hand-delivering the letters to the Governor's office.