Felix Ngole, a postgraduate student in U.K.'s Sheffield University has been expelled for discussing his views on Facebook regarding same-sex marriage. According to reports, he used a quote from the Bible to highlight his arguments against homosexual activity.
According to Telegraph, Ngole engaged in a public discussion about the topic of same-sex relationships using his personal Facebook account about two months ago. During the discussion, the student shared his opinion about being against homosexual marriage. He then quoted a verse from Leviticus to emphasize that it goes against the teachings of his religion.
Aside from these, Ngole, a 38-year old father of four children, also expressed his support for Kim Davis, who used to work as a marriage clerk in Kentucky, U.S. Back in September of last year, Davis refused to give out marriage certificates to same-sex couples due to her personal beliefs.
Months after the online discussion, Ngole received a notification from the school summoning him for a disciplinary hearing. According to reports, the complaint against him was made by a fellow student from the university.
At the hearing, Ngole, who was enrolled in a course for social workers, was told that he is entitled to his opinion. However, the school maintained that his views on same-sex relationships might offend certain individuals. The university then concluded that his views could affect his abilities as a social worker and expelled him.
Ngole, however, maintained that he is not against individuals engaged in same-sex relationships because he respects their choices. He also noted that he merely shared his views on the matter in a public discussion.
For him, his expulsion brings to surface the issue of censorship and freedom of speech in universities.
"The way that I have been treated raises very serious issues about the way students in English universities are being censored in their views and beliefs," he said according to Premiere. "If the personal statements of students on their own social media pages, and amongst their own 'friends' are now to be used to judge whether they are 'fit and proper people' to serve in professions such as law, medicine, teaching and social work, then very serious questions need to be asked about the freedoms in the U.K."
Ngole has already submitted an appeal to the university which aims to challenge its decision regarding the basis of his expulsion. He also plans to sue the school on grounds of human rights violations with the help of the Christian Legal Centre.
