Christian Duke University Freshmen Object to Summer Reading Assignment

Some incoming freshmen at Duke University in North Carolina are reportedly refusing to read a suggested summer reading text, arguing that it goes against their Christian values.

The award-winning novel "Fun Home," which is suggested summer reading for incoming freshmen at Duke University, follows the life story of author Alison Bechdel realizing she is homosexual and also discovering that her father, who committed suicide, was also gay.

Some new students at the university have taken to social media and penned a letter to the school arguing that the required reading goes against their Christian beliefs.

"I feel as if I would have to compromise my personal Christian moral beliefs to read it," incoming freshman Brian Grasso wrote on the Duke University Class of 2019 Facebook page. "Duke did not seem to have people like me in mind. It was like Duke didn't know we existed, which surprises me."

The vice president for Public Affairs and Government Relations at the university, Michael Schoenfeld, released a statement amid the protest that argues the summer reading is optional and students may choose not to read "Fun Home."

"The reading is selected by a committee of students, and staff, who then solicit feedback from other members of the Duke community. Fun Home was ultimately chosen because it is a unique and moving book that transcends genres and explores issues that students are likely to confront. It is also one of the most celebrated graphic novels of its generation, and the theatrical adaption won the Tony Award for Best Musical, and four others, in 2015. As we have every year, we were fortunate to have the author join us on campus for a lively discussion of the book during orientation week," Schoenfeld said.

"The summer reading is entirely voluntary — it is not a requirement, nor is there a grade or record of any student's participation. With a class of 1,750 new students from around the world, it would be impossible to find a single book that that did not challenge someone's way of thinking. We understand and respect that, but also hope that students will begin their time at Duke with open minds and a willingness to explore new ideas, whether they agree with them or no," the university spokesperson added.