Those who have written to Baylor University President Linda Livingstone to complain about a Turning Point USA event to be held on campus in April received emails March 25 touting “Civil Discourse Week” on campus this week.
The published schedule includes 23 events promoting dialogue around various issues. Topics include politics, the role of the church in a divided society, College Republicans and College Democrats, health care, immigration and human sexuality.
One of the criticisms of Baylor allowing TPUSA on campus — despite its history of promoting racist and misogynistic tropes and disinformation on American politics — is that Christians who advocate for full inclusion of the LGBTQ community are denied the same platform.
On Thursday, March 26, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Baylor students, faculty and staff are invited to a session titled “Sexuality, Christianity and Baylor: Naming and Navigating Our Differences with Civility.”
“Please note that this event does NOT signal a change or a move to considering a change in Baylor’s Statement on Human Sexuality.”
This is the only one of the 23 session descriptions that includes an italicized disclaimer about the content to be discussed: “Please note that this event does NOT signal a change or a move to considering a change in Baylor’s Statement on Human Sexuality.”
The descriptions states: “While Baylor has defined its institutional position on human sexuality, insofar as Baylor reflects the global church — with a variety of Christian traditions and denominations represented amongst its students, faculty, staff and alumni — diverging views and disagreements on human sexuality remain within the Baylor family. How might we navigate those differences at Baylor with civility, grace, humility and love?”
The session is to be led by Bridgebuilding Fellow Mark Richards, whose official university biography includes this line: “Mark has been celibate for several years now and finds deep intimacy and companionship in his tapestry of rich, beautiful friendships.”
According to a ChatGPT search, his is the only Baylor staff or faculty biography to include the word “celibate.”
Richards’ main job at Baylor is serving as associate director for operations, innovation and programs in the Office of Engaged Learning.
The letter from the president’s office to those concerned about TPUSA asserts, “We have invited our campus community to participate, learn from differing viewpoints, and share their perspectives and lived experiences on (all the stated) issues.”
The selection process is described: “All Baylor-chartered student organizations are welcome to invite speakers from diverse viewpoints to campus by following our standard request process. Our Division of Student Life evaluates each request in accordance with Baylor’s established student organization policies, which serve as the primary criteria for approval. Student organizations are also welcome to submit requests for counterprogramming, public demonstration or expressive activity during another campus event.”
The letter concludes: “Please know that we are committed to supporting a caring community in which a variety of viewpoints can be shared in a civil, respectful manner.”
Related articles:
Fear drove Baylor to allow TPUSA on campus, Perryman asserts
Here’s what’s wrong with Baylor hosting a TPUSA event | Opinion by Mark Wingfield
AWAB calls Baylor to give LGBTQ voices the same platform as TPUSA