LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The policy has caused controversy among alumni, students and faculty at the college. Last year, Hope College refused to let screenwriter Dustin Lance Black lead a screening and discussion of "Milk," a film about slain gay rights activist Harvey Milk. Black would go on to host two sold-out screenings off campus, both heavily attended by students and faculty members from the college.

The college's policy was instituted in 1995. The policy also censures gay advocacy. Discussions of homosexuality on the campus can be discussed in an academic context.

"The college's current position on homosexuality is based on its interpretation of scripture," an official statement

reads. "It is recognized that well-intentioned Christians may disagree on scriptural interpretation. Still, humbly and respectfully, the college aligns itself in its interpretation with its founding denomination, the Reformed Church in America, the orthodox Christian Church throughout the ages, and other Christian colleges and universities."

Hope College's policy on homosexuality has been the subject of debate for several years. Gay rights groups visited the campus in 1999, and the school denied the bid of the Gay Straight Alliance to be recognized as a formal campus student organization during the 2000-01 school year.

Furthermore, critics say that Hope College has not done enough to open up dialogue around homosexuality.