Hope College Board Chair Criticizes Petition

Joel Bouwens, chair of the Hope College board, has released a letter criticizing a petition on gay rights as "ambush journalism," The Grand Rapids Press reported. The petition, by students, faculty and alumni, called on the college to reconsider its policies, following a decision to reject a visit by a screenwriter because he is also a gay rights activist. Bouwens said that board members weren't afraid to consider these issues, but criticized the petition organizers for telling their story to reporters. They, in turn, said board members were criticizing the messenger rather than considering the issues.