Eddie Walker isn't a very progressive role model.

The South Carolina-based educator will resign next June after being ordered to allow a gay-straight alliance at his high school.

As Walker explains in his oh-so-heartfelt letter, he's waiting a year to leave because breaking his contract would violate his "religious convictions." He does little, however, to elaborate further:

…Due to a recent conflict involving my professional and religious beliefs I sent Dr. Angela Bain a letter of resignation effective June 30, 2009. On May 14, 2008, I was instructed by email to allow the formation of a Gay/Straight Alliance Club at Irmo High School. On May 15, 2008 I told Ms. Ann Pilat to allow the formation of this club for the 2008-2009 school year.

Allowing the formation of this club on our campus conflicts with my professional beliefs and religious convictions.
…
The formation of this club conflicts with my professional beliefs in that we do not have other clubs at Irmo High school based on sexual orientation, sexual preference, or sexual activity.
…
My decision to resign is a personal choice based on my professional beliefs and religious convictions. I have prayed about the decision for a period of time and I have a peace about it.

Faith In America executive director Brent Childers released a statement calling Walker's decision a "shame" and drew on education's stormy past: "It is unfortunately very similar to the time in our history when segregation in schools was once allowed to flourish because of the deep-seated prejudice that existed in our institutions and the religious mindset of many people during that period."