Prairie State College paid $9,000 a year to hold graduation at controversial church
Prairie State College’s use of Victory Apostolic Church in Matteson resulted in payments of $8,850 in 2022, $9,930 in 2023 and college officials predict $9,930 in 2024 to host graduation ceremonies.
Public records obtained through the Freedom of Information Act show how much the college paid the church each year for facility fees and event services fees.
The church’s pastor, the Rev. Andrew Singleton Jr., said the church charged the college a reduced rate, but he would not say what it was. College officials did not return messages from the Daily Southtown, prompting the Freedom of Information Act request.
Rebecca Fassbender, the president of the school’s Pride Club, said she was told by the college the church was the location for three consecutive years because of the reduced rate.
Fassbender and other parents and students pushed back on the decision because of the church’s statements in opposition to same-sex marriage.
On Victory Apostolic Church’s website, it states “the Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin,” and that the church does not “condone the homosexual lifestyle.”
The college announced in April that while graduation will still be held at the church on May 18, it will find a new venue for future ceremonies.
In 2022, the college sent the church $1,000 as a down payment a month before the May graduation. A $3,275 event services fee and a $4,575 facility fee followed.
In 2023, the down payment stayed the same but the event services and facility fee jumped to $4,100 and $4,830. The records confirmed the school plans the 2023 rates to hold steady in 2024.
College officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the church’s fee or what other venues would charge to host graduation ceremonies.
“Prairie State College is committed to finding a new venue that respects and honors the rights of all individuals without any religious affiliation for all future events,” the college wrote in its April announcement.
The college’s statement also rejected Singleton’s comments expressing concern students would wear certain flags, emblems or stoles aligned with the LGBTQ+ community during the ceremony, stating students are free to dress in a way that reflects their identity while adhering to the appropriate regalia attire.
hsanders@chicagotribune.com