Sharon, Pa- www.wytv.com- When 22 year old Grove City College student John Gechter began modeling for the porn industry, he was warned that eventually he would be discovered by the public-at-large. Less than 24 hours after a fellow student found the online images, they were emailed all over campus and sent to the college administration. “It’s a conservative school, so juicy gossip like this would fly around campus quickly,” said Gechter in a lengthy phone interview with our newsroom.
Gechter said school officials acted quickly and gave him three choices: Withdraw, be suspended, or appeal. “I didn’t like any of the three choices,” said Gechter. The molecular biology major has assembled a team of lawyers and filed an appeal. “I never considered the school would kick me out for doing something legal.”
Grove City College, a conservative Christian school, says Gechter’s behavior was “contrary to the values of the college.” The school’s mission statement can be read here: http://www.gcc.edu/About_GCC.php
Thursday afternoon, the college released this statement:
The statement below will be the only comment from the College regarding this issue. “The student’s suspension resulted from his involvement in the adult pornography industry. The student acknowledged that he was employed in the adult entertainment industry and that he knew that violated the student code of conduct. Throughout this process, his sexual orientation was not a factor in the decision. Since that decision, he has voluntarily chosen to withdraw from Grove City College.” End of statement.
It comes as no surprise to Gechter that most Grove City students take the side of the school administration. “Most of the college is very conservative, very closed minded.” He admits his behavior is in conflict with the code of conduct in the student manual, but feels his 16 month suspension is more than it should be. Gechter says he faces school charges of sexual misconduct, participating in the public display of pornography, and adhering to standards which do not follow the mission or values of the college.
Gechter, who works under the online name of Vincent DeSalvo, began modeling at the age of 19. During a shoot he was approached by an agent from the porn industry. “They told me I had the perfect body for pornography,” said Gechter. Lured by the considerable promise of money, “3-5 thousand dollars per scene,” Gechter entered the industry at the age of 20. An online search of his porn name instantly brings up many of his sites, all designed for an internet audience.
From here, Gechter is pursuing legal options. He will probably transfer his credits to another school. “I already have 135 credits which in most schools is enough to graduate. Hopefully I only have to take a few more classes,” says Gechter. He is undecided whether he will remain in the porn industry.