BEIJING — Huazhong University of Science and Technology in central China was known for its relatively welcoming attitude toward gay and lesbian people. Students waved rainbow flags at graduation, and the school hosted events featuring gay authors and artists.

So many Chinese were alarmed when a message of intolerance emanated recently from the university’s main campus in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province.

“Protect traditional Chinese morals,” said a banner carried on campus by members of the women’s basketball team. “Defend core socialist values. Resist corrosion from decadent Western thoughts. Keep homosexuality far from campus.”

A photo of the students with the banner, posted online by the team’s coach on Sunday, provoked immediate outrage, with people across China calling on the university to fire the coach and punish the students.