Controversy is swirling over an official at a popular university in Washington, D.C., who was put on leave last week after it was discovered that she had signed a petition to help put the state’s current homosexual “marriage” law on the ballot to potentially be overturned.

Angela McCaskill works as the Chief Diversity Officer at Gallaudet University, one of the most recognized schools in the nation for the deaf and hard of hearing. The focus of her position is to foster acceptance and tolerance among the students of each other’s differences, including those involved in the homosexual lifestyle.

However, after McCaskill, who lives in neighboring Maryland and is deaf herself, sat through a sermon at her church regarding God’s design for marriage, she signed a petition that would allow the state’s current homosexual “marriage” law to be reconsidered. In signing the document, she was stating that she agreed that the issue should be brought up for a vote by the people, rather than be forced upon residents through legislators. Earlier this year, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley signed a bill into law that legalized same-sex “marriage,” but its enforcement was placed on hold.

As a result of those that signed the petition, Maryland is now one of several states that will be voting in November on the issue.

According to reports, when a fellow staff member at the university saw her name on the petition, she confronted McCaskill, who acknowledged that she signed the document. The following day, her co-worker and another employee at Gallaudet University filed a formal complaint against McCaskill.

Officials then ordered McCaskill to issue an apology for signing the petition, at which she declined. Days later, McCaskill was informed via email that because she would not apologize, she was being placed on paid leave.

“Dr. McCaskill has participated in a legislative initiative that some feel is inappropriate for an individual serving as Chief Diversity Officer,” stated Gallaudet University president T. Alan Hurwitz.

He advised, however, that he wishes to restore McCaskill to her position, and is looking for the proper manner in which to do so.

McCaskill opined at a press conference this week that she felt humiliated by the actions of the officials, and considers herself fired.

“I’m dismayed that Gallaudet University is still a university of intolerance, a university that manages by intimidation, a university that allows bullying among faculty, staff and students,” he said. “I thought it was important that as a citizen of the state of Maryland  that I could exercise my right to participate in the political process. I am pro-democracy.”

Derek McCoy of the Maryland Marriage Alliance told reporters that he was also perplexed by the university’s actions.

“If such attacks can be made before same-sex marriage is law, how can homosexual activists in good faith say that religious liberties will not be attacked if Question 6 passes?” he remarked.

According to reports, McCaskill is not opposed to homosexuality and is a registered Democrat, but felt compelled because of the Biblical teaching at her African American church to allow the law to be reconsidered by the people.

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