“LeNoir is entitled to her personal religious beliefs. She’s also entitled to speak about them on any platform or forum.”
There has been a startling upward trend in the United States of attacking individuals based upon their religious views. Many have resorted to remaining silent on issues affecting their religious beliefs for fear of being ostracized and discriminated against. A prime example of this would be former WNBA player Camille LeNoir, who accepted a position as an assistant coach at New Mexico State University only to have the offer rescinded.
The head coach of the organization cited a YouTube video that was posted online six years ago. The video features LeNoir participating in a Skype interview regarding her religious beliefs, and more specifically, her decision to refrain from continuing same-sex relationships.
She wasn’t attacking anyone; there weren’t any disparaging remarks made toward the LGBT community, and she conducted herself professionally while giving her religious testimony.
In the video, LeNoir talks about the culture of homosexuality in the women’s basketball community. She grew up in a church surrounding, and part of the experiences she had caused conflict within her religious beliefs that she grappled to understand. The interview itself didn’t contain any polarizing views. It was more of a personal testimony clearly aimed at a Christian audience.
LeNoir had lived several years of her life as a lesbian, something she attributed to the culture of women’s basketball and mistaking teammate connections for romance. In any case, these views haven’t stopped LeNoir from working in the sports industry. Upon her retirement from professional sports, LeNoir continued coaching and mentoring young basketball players.
LeNoir had lived several years of her life as a lesbian, something she attributed to the culture of women’s basketball and mistaking teammate connections for romance.
She explains excitement at being offered her dream job as an assistant coach for NMSU. Arrangements had been made and travel booked. That is, until she received a phone call from head coach Mark Trakh two days before her departure date. LeNoir’s job offer had been rescinded because of the YouTube video that was posted in 2011. He had no qualms about letting her know the exact cause, along with warning her to remove the video if she ever wanted to work in sports again.
A rightfully shocked LeNoir is now suing New Mexico State for discriminating against her sexuality and religious beliefs. While NMSU has denied the charges, it will be interesting to see how this case plays out. Especially since Trakh cited the video being behind the decision not to move forward with LeNoir’s employment. According to him, her views would make it hard to recruit and coach effectively.
This behavior highlights issues with freedom of speech. While it’s become common knowledge that potential employers will conduct an online investigation, Camille LeNoir’s interview didn’t contain anything that should be used against her. It’s widely known that the LGBT community within women’s basketball is quite vast. This amounts to discriminating against someone for political views and discourages citizens from exercising their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech.
LeNoir is entitled to her personal religious beliefs. She’s also entitled to speak about them on any platform or forum. She wasn’t attacking anyone; there weren’t any disparaging remarks made toward the LGBT community, and she conducted herself professionally while giving her religious testimony. As most people are aware, Christianity doesn’t condone homosexuality, and those who follow the Bible shouldn’t be punished or shamed.
