The University of North Texas’ student governing body has voted down a proposal to allow same-sex couples to run for homecoming king and queen.

Dallas Morning News reports:
The University of North Texas’ student governing body has voted down a proposal to allow same-sex couples to run for homecoming king and queen. Five of the senators at the meeting voted Thursday to amend the Student Government Association’s bylaws, 10 voted against and eight abstained.

Jason Howeth, a junior who represents the College of Music, said he voted against the proposal because of opposition from parents who threatened to remove their children from the school and alumni who said they would withdraw their financial support. He also said that the current student regulations do not prohibit homosexuals from running for a homecoming court position.

Current student regulations state that the homecoming couple comprises a man and a woman. Hunter Nelson, a graduate student who represents the College of Arts and Sciences, said the university should provide a supportive environment that allows students to express themselves. “Right now, we’re limiting that by keeping the status quo with the Homecoming court requirements,” he said. “We’re limiting students’ chances and that’s not fair. It should be equality for all.”