Listen-Grove City College presents itself on it's website as Christian and Conservative. It doesn't hide it's beliefs. I know a lot of kids who visited the campus and loved it, but the ultra-religious atmosphere scared them away. I was accepted at a big name state school, but opted for GCC hoping that I could stay focused on my studies and really develop my character. I did join a sorority because it really was the only way to have a normal social life. (In my opinion of what college socializing should be.)
I made some of the best friends of my life there. We are still in touch. We weren't trouble makers, but we weren't saints, either. We cared about each other a lot and we are all healthy productive working adults with families. Some married, some divorced, some gay...We are all good people.
Having said all that, I must tell you that as I aged and went into the real world, my views changed based on my life experiences. Yes, GCC is a bubble. Most of the time, a good one. Would I go there today?
Probably not. I am uncomfortable with many of the religious right's condemnation of homosexuals and non Christian religions.
Because I feel that way, does that make GCC a bad place? No! Not if you are Christian, Conservative, Anti-Gay and Anti-Semitic. If you are looking for liberal, pro choice and lesbian/gay rights, don't go here! It's simple. Just because my views are different than the college's, does that make the college bad? No way. That's the great thing about our country...you are FREE to choose!
Do your homework before you accept going here. They aren't hiding anything...they are very open about their disdain for anything other than what they believe. They aren't saying, "Come one, come all...we love everyone!" They are telling you right up front what they will and will not tolerate, so why would you go here if you don't want to participate in what they so openly espouse?
The campus is beautiful and I received an excellent education. There were definitely cliques, but it's like that in real life!
I'm not sorry I attended. I am sorry that so many people I knew when I went there had to hide who they were for fear of retribution. That kind of hatred exists everywhere...GCC didn't corner the market on it.It would be one thing if they claimed one thing and did another...they are being exactly what they say they are and they don't apologize. So before you get in and decide you want to break the rules, do your research to find a school that coincides with your belief system. You'll be much happier.
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