Once again, Samford University has denied a request to allow a group for LGBTQ students — this time excluding students in its highly rated Cumberland School of Law. In 2017, the Birmingham school forfeited $3 million a year in institutional…
The inconsistencies of our ethical declarations: Samford’s dilemma
Editor’s note: Bill Leonard served as professor of church history and chair of the Religion Department at Samford University from January 1992 to June 1996. In his 1995 book, The Stem of Jesse: The Costs of Community at a 1960s…
Samford loves all people but won’t advance ‘other expressions of sexuality,’ president tells students in video
“Each person will be loved unconditionally” but Samford University “will continue to stand on God’s word” and will not “celebrate and advocate for other expressions of sexuality than those historically supported” by the Baptist school, President Beck Taylor told students…
Four years ago, a Samford study group recommended more conversation on sexuality — and got ignored
A Samford University administrator’s claim that nothing has changed in the university’s approach to excluding churches and ministries that affirm same-sex marriage is infuriating to an alumnus and former staff member who spent a year working on plans for greater…
Samford students organize silent protest over LGBTQ discrimination
About 140 students, alumni and local clergy protested silently during the weekly convocation at Samford University Tuesday, Sept. 20. The group stood outside the university’s Wright Center — some bearing posters — to protest the administration’s recent decision to exclude…
Is it possible for a Baptist school to maintain top-tier recognition and still discriminate against gay students?
Although this time it’s Samford University in the news for discrimination against the LGBTQ community, walking the line between religious heritage and academic aspirations is nothing new for faith-based schools. Last year, it was Baylor University making headlines as it…
We are hurt by Samford’s exclusion
Baptist Church of the Covenant in Birmingham, Ala., is a vibrant, Spirit-filled Baptist congregation that was formed out of protest. In 1970, when a Black mother and daughter were refused membership at First Baptist Church because of their race, roughly…
100 clergy who are Samford grads urge president to reverse exclusionary policy
More than 100 clergy who are alumni of Samford University have signed an open letter to university President Beck Taylor asking for a reversal of the school’s new policy to exclude from campus ministries churches that affirm same-sex marriage. “We…
Samford, how long will you remain silent?
It is difficult to fathom the ineptitude that would cause a top-tier Christian university to become so blinded to its rightwing constituency that it throws away decades of ecumenical goodwill and then doesn’t even have the wherewithal to acknowledge what…