Ultimately, Professor Wetchler steered the class discussion so that it focused on each student’s personal beliefs regarding homosexual conduct - asking each student to give a personal opinion. As the discussion proceeded, every student condoned this type of behavior and displayed tremendous hostility towards traditional morality. During the break, Mr. Ford approached Professor Wetchler and asked whether he was “safe” to express his religiously-based beliefs without retaliation - admitting he was fearful because of the climate the learned professor had created.

Professor Wetchler encouraged him to participate in the discussion.

When Mr. Ford’s turn came, he explained that he thought homosexual conduct was morally wrong, but he emphasized that he would not treat any individual differently as a result. He condemned all forms of discrimination, explaining that he, personally, had been a victim of discrimination. He cited his experience during the interview process, where all four interviewers asked about his religious beliefs and used his response to determine whether he would be accepted into the program. When he asked his classmates to indicate by a show of hands whether they had been asked the question “How will you treat gay clients?” none of the 20 students responded.

Professor Wetchler became visibly upset with Mr. Ford, and he said: “Jeff, you have been taught not to express what you believe to protect yourself.” Mr. Ford noted the hostile environment in the classroom toward anyone who did not condone homosexual behavior.

Next, Professor Wetchler began discussing the merits of Mr. Ford’s LDS faith. When Mr. Ford noted how his mission work had helped solidify that faith, Wetchler dismissed his idea saying Mr. Ford had been raised in an “insulated society.” He then concluded by saying: “Jeff, I have a private agenda for you.”

We’ll learn more about the good professor’s agenda in the next installment of this series.