University of Nebraska Assistant Football Coach Ron Brown was denied the head coaching job at Stanford University, reports The Daily Nebraskan, because of his religious beliefs. Of particular concern was his candid belief that homosexual behavior is a sin. His religion "was definitely something that had to be considered," Alan Glenn, Stanford's assistant athletic director of human resources, told the student newspaper. "We're a very diverse community with a diverse alumni." Brown says he was shocked at both the decision and the school's candor.

"If I'd been discriminated against for being black, they would've never told me that," he said. "They had no problem telling me it was because of my Christian beliefs." Glenn later backed away from his statement, but others, including San Francisco Chronicle columnist Mark Simon, say Stanford was right not to hire such an outspoken Christian. Brown, meanwhile, says the Stanford rejection won't silence his Christian beliefs. "I don't believe you compromise any truth for whatever job," he said.

Other articles include:

Religious beliefs present hurdles for coach's career—The Daily Nebraskan (April 11, 2002)

Coach Ron Brown's beliefs don't call for discrimination—The Daily Nebraskan (Editorial, April 11, 2002)

Religion not a consideration—The Daily Nebraskan (Letter to the Editor, April 12, 2002)

The Daily Nebraskan stands behind Thursday's front-page story—The Daily Nebraskan (Editorial, April 15, 2002)

Weblog: Stanford Accused of Discriminating Against Christian Coach Prospect—Christianity Today (April 16, 2002)