Support rally planned for transgender prof

[auntAgonist]

From Jackson PeaceKeepers.

As many of you have heard, Spring Arbor University Professor John Nemecek's contract will not be renewed the coming fall, seemingly in large part to his disclosure of his struggle with gender identity and his preference to go as Julie Marie.

A number of students at Spring Arbor disagree with the move and have organized a rally to encourage SAU to do the loving, Christian thing. We will gather on the sidewalk at the corner of M-60 and Cottage Street just before 11am. At that time students will be leaving the Free Methodist Church after attending the mandatory Chapel. It is important to stay on the sidewalk because we will not be welcome on campus but the sidewalk there is public. We will begin with a few words and prayer with Julie and then walk where the sidewalk is public and legal. We will remain until 1pm. It should be ok to park in the church parking lot, but we think it'd be better if people parked in the back lot off Cottage Street to avoid unnecessary confrontation.

You are encouraged to make signs, clothing, or any other creative ideas as long as its message is positive (support for Julie, messages of love, grace, ect). Everyone is free to express themselves as they want. The newspaper and TV media are being contacted.

We will not allow ourselves to participate in any name calling, hollering, or yelling. If we are yelled or screamed at we will NOT yell back. This is a peaceful nonviolent demonstration, we should be firm but humble. We should remain nonviolent in our thoughts, words, and action. We are trying to build up and encourage the school to do what is right, not tear anything or anyone down.

If you have any questions, feel free to call Joel Skene at 616-826-6834, Drew Hinkle at 517-414-8283 or email [e-mail]

http://www.mlive.com/news/jacitpat/index.ssf?/base/news-20/1171191961186690.xml&coll=3

A rally will be held Monday to help a transgender Spring Arbor University professor keep her job.

John Nemecek, who is transitioning to become a woman, Julie Marie Nemecek, has been notified by the Christian-based university her contract won't be renewed this spring after 16 years.

Drew Hinkle, founder of the Spring Arbor Gay Straight Alliance, said the rally is intended to show support for Julie and educate the public about the struggles transgender people face.

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