WACO, Texas (KWTX) – The Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University is rescinding its acceptance of a grant supporting academic research aimed at exploring the inclusion LGBTQ+ individuals in congregational settings, announced Baylor University President Linda A. Livingston.
The grant was specifically awarded to the Center for Church and Community Impact within the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work.
According to Livingston, Dean Jon Singletary and principal investigator Dr. Gaynor Yancey voluntarily offered to rescind their acceptance of this grant on behalf of the School of Social Work and return all associated funds to the granting foundation.
“Provost Nancy Brickhouse and I support this decision and agree this is the appropriate course of action and in the best interests of Baylor University,” Linvingston said.
“We remain committed to providing a loving and caring community for all – including our LGBTQIA+ students – because it is part and parcel of our University’s mission that calls us to educate our students within a caring Christian community.”
Livingston further said their concerns did not center on the research itself, rather, “on the activities that followed as part of the grant. Specifically, the work extended into advocacy for perspectives on human sexuality that are inconsistent with Baylor’s institutional policies.”
The president further said, “We affirm the biblical understanding of human sexuality as a gift from God, expressed through purity in singleness and fidelity in marriage between a man and a woman.”
Livingston referred to the university’s Statement on Human Sexuality.
The remainder of her statement can be found below:
“Please be assured that Baylor’s institutional beliefs and policies remain unchanged. Our commitment to our Christian mission and our historic Baptist identity continues to guide our approach to academics, student life, and spiritual formation. We affirm the biblical understanding of human sexuality as a gift from God, expressed through purity in singleness and fidelity in marriage between a man and a woman.
“We recognize that this situation has caused concern and confusion for many within the Baylor Family and among our broader community of churches, partner organizations, and supporters. This has been a learning opportunity for many involved in this situation, and we aim to work alongside our college and school leaders, faculty, and research community, particularly during these challenging times for higher education.
“Baylor remains deeply committed to its unique role as a Christian research university — one that encourages rigorous inquiry and thoughtful exploration of complex issues. We will continue to support our faculty and researchers in pursuing meaningful scholarship, while ensuring that such work aligns with our institutional processes.
“I hope this communication provides clarity into what has been a difficult week for many within the Baylor Family. Thank you for your prayers and continued support for Baylor University.”
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