The two seniors criticized the policy, and said Harvard should hold Houston—whom they wrote represents a chaplaincy based on “intolerance and conversion”—to the same standards.

“The University [has] the opportunity to screen out those religious organizations and individuals who would prey upon unsuspecting or vulnerable students,” they wrote.

Nathans declined to comment about policies relating to the United Ministry.

But Illingworth said there could be limits to Houston’s ability to speak about the ex-gay movement.

“Does he have the right to talk about it? Yes. But not in any official capacity on campus,” he said.

Houston said he still has not heard from any University official. He is continuing to work on his book about what he calls “the lie of homosexuality,” and is hoping to created a dialogue on campus about the issue.

“We’re in a liberal society, let the figures and arguments speak for themselves,” Houston said.

—Crimson staff writer Amit R. Paley can be reached at paley@fas.harvard.edu.