WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – The University of the Cumberlands will allow a student it expelled after he revealed he is gay to send in work to finish his courses and receive final grades, the student and his lawyer said Tuesday.
Jason Johnson, 20, and the school reached an agreement concerning his final transcript, according to Johnson and his lawyer, Don Waggener of Lexington.
Johnson was expelled April 6 after posting his sexual orientation on a Web site. The dean's list student received all Fs on his transcript when he was expelled.
"This will preserve my academic record," he told the Lexington Herald-Leader in a story posted on the newspaper's Web site.
Under the agreement, Johnson relinquishes his right to sue the university for damages but retains his right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the regional accrediting agency.
Waggener said complaints will be filed with the two agencies.
Said Jamie Jordan, the university's lawyer: "We're comfortable the university hasn't done anything in violation of Department of Education regulations or SACS requirements."
Johnson said he plans to transfer to Eastern Kentucky University.
The Kentucky Fairness Alliance and Kentucky Collegiate Coalition are holding a rally Wednesday in Williamsburg to protest discrimination against gays. Johnson said he had not decided whether he would attend.
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