CINCINNATI - 9 News is looking into a claim of discrimination against Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy.
Jonathan Zeng says he was offered a job with Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy teaching music at their downtown location, the Armleder School, but because of his sexual orientation, wasn't hired.
Zeng claims that before he was officially hired he had to meet with the head of the school and the board for final approval.
He said a board member called him back in for a meeting to talk about religious questions on his application.
"In those answers I talked about Christ's unconditional love and I talked about how we as followers of Christ, are ultimate goal is to show that love to everyone without judgment," Zeng said.
During the meeting, Zeng claims he was questioned about whether he was a homosexual.
"I was shocked and surprised," he said.
Zeng asked why he was being asked the question. He says the administrator said it was school policy not to employ teachers who are homosexual because of the work with children and the sanctity of marriage.
Zeng was offended and hurt by the comments. He told administrators he was homosexual and claims he wasn't offered the job because of it.
Zeng wrote a detailed letter he sent to the school obtained by 9 News.
It saddens me to think that your students' education is potentially being compromised because of your lack of embrace of true Christian diversity. I was chosen because the hiring committee felt I was the best possible candidate for the position. This opportunity was taken away simply because of how I was created. My sexual orientation has no impact on my teaching abilities or the words that I would say. I am appalled to think that the philosophy of your school would not allow a gay Christian to work with children.
9 News reached out to the school about the allegation and school officials provided us with this statement.
CHCA keeps confidential all matters discussed within a candidate's interview. We're looking into this matter, although the initial information we have seen contains inaccuracies. We will not be discussing individual hiring decisions or interviews.
Zeng is getting support from the local Human Rights Council.
"Right here in Ohio, unfortunately, lesbian, gay, bisexuals and transgender individuals can be fired from their job simply because of their sexual orientation or their gender identity so this example and this issue today, just demonstrates the need that protections are in place for these types of issues," explained Jeff Caywood, a board member of the Human Rights Campaign. "It's not just here in Ohio, it's in 30 states across the U.S., you can discriminate someone based upon their sexual orientation or there gender identity, so there are not protections in place for LGBT employees in the workplace."
A local attorney, Kendall Isaac, who is also a law professor further explains there is no current law that legally protects homosexuals in the workplace.
"Title 7 prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin, but there is nothing in there that mentions sexual orientation. There is currently no law that protects gay employees."
