“A student on campus was browsing inappropriate content online and recognized me on a (pornography) Web site,” said the 22-year-old Philadelphia native. “He copied and pasted some images and sent an e-mail to some friends. GCC is a pretty small school, so the e-mail spread like wildfire.”
Gechter began his career in gay pornography late in his sophomore year, two years ago. During that time, Gechter successfully kept Vincent DeSalvo a secret from his life at GCC. No one knew about his off-campus job, not even his roommate at the Colonial Apartment complex.
That ended the night of April 23 when the first e-mail revealing his online identity was sent out. By the next morning, at least two-thirds of the student population had received the e-mail. So did school administration.
GCC officials have decided to indefinitely suspend Gechter for one year for his activities, pending his decision to appeal to the provost,"
Sun May 10, 2009 at 19:28:37 PM EDT |
From the Sharon Herald (largest paper near the college) comes word that John Gechter will be permitted to graduate with a GCC degree. In a deal struck with the college, Gechter must complete his two remaining classes elsewhere which can then be transferred back to GCC for his degree. Gechter had previously been suspected when school officials learned of his roles in gay male pornography. Gechter claims he was using the money earned to finance his education. A video was discovered by another student who shared it with the general student body. Gechter was two classes away from completing his undergraduate degree. Gechter states he will drop plans for a lawsuit in return for this resolution. He plans to move to New York City where he has been cast in a play. As for the students who spread the information (and the video?)?
Student reaction seems mixed with some students sympathetic to Gechter for being suspended so close to graduation. Other students seem in la-la land, stating that they do not believe Gechter was harassed at their good Christian environment. Seriously? I've been to a whole lot of churches in my life and met a lot of very human Christians engaging in gossip, slander, and other nasty low down behavior. I also attended a Catholic university so I definitely know what happens in that kind of good Christian environment. I am glad things worked out for Gechter and hope other students take heed to enroll in schools that accept federal financial aid if they plan to finance their education by freelance work in the adult entertainment industry. Still, I can't help wondering if the students who "gossiped" this information around the campus even get that they violated a Christian code of conduct? How can the College act in "good faith" if these students and those who allegedly sent "hate email" to Gechter go about their way with nary a backward glance? |