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Vanguard U. pulls out of county tuition program after bias complaint

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Vanguard University ended its participation in a reduced-tuition program with the county after a complaint was filed alleging that the religious school’s guiding principles violate the county’s non-discrimination policy.

Before withdrawing its participation in the program Friday, the Costa Mesa Christian university was one of three local higher-education institutions that offered reduced tuition at a rate of 25% to county employees in exchange for advertising on the county’s internal web communication system.

A letter from Vanguard to the county said the university will still offer tuition discounts to county employees through its “professional colleagues” program.

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“Due to concerns voiced by a few county citizens, it appears prudent to withdraw from the formal agreement so that the university and the county can continue to serve our community as faithful stewards and trusted advocates,” the letter states.

Vanguard officals could not be reached for further comment.

Brandman University and National University are still part of the program.

Chris Prevatt, a program facilitator with the Orange County Health Care Agency, filed a complaint with human resources in September after receiving an email notification about the program.

Vanguard is affiliated with the Pentecostal Christian sect of Assemblies of God, which rejects premarital sex, homosexuality and gay marriage. Students who violate the school’s policies in those areas can be subject to discipline, according to the university’s website.

“The behavioral standards, coupled with the faith confession, make it clear that this institution specifically promotes, advocates and defends discrimination against individuals on the basis of religious faith and sexual orientation,” Prevatt wrote in his complaint.

The 17-year county employee, who is gay, believes the principles outlined on Vanguard’s website conflict with the county’s equal employment opportunity policy, which states that the county “provides for equal opportunities in all aspects of employment” without regard to sex, race, religion, age or sexual orientation.

“If Vanguard wants to have its policies, then as a private school they are able to do that,” Prevatt said in an interview. “The issue is the role of government. If the county’s policy is that we don’t discriminate, then why are we promoting an opportunity that by its very nature is discriminatory?”

Employees who choose to take advantage of the program are able to select which college meets their needs. The county does not force anyone to attend a particular institution, according to a disclaimer on its website.

“The views and opinions of the universities do not necessarily reflect those of the County of Orange, and the county’s partnership with an educational institution is not meant to convey or endorse any particular view or opinion,” the disclaimer states.

Prevatt said that since Vanguard offers certain degrees that the other schools do not, by partnering with a university that accepts students on the basis of religious beliefs, the county isn’t providing an equal opportunity for all of its employees.

“The county feels that the relationship with Vanguard was not discriminatory,” said Supervisor John Moorlach.

Prevatt said he hopes the situation will force the county to look at its policies when negotiating contracts in the future.

“I’m just glad that it’s resolved,” he said. “Vanguard made the honorable decision.”

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