Tell Baylor University: LGBTQ students deserve protection and respect

Baylor University President Linda Livingstone

A picture of a major structure on the campus of Baylor University in Texas, with a sign bearing their logo in the foreground.
As Christians, we aspire to create communities where everyone feels safe and loved. But that hasn't been the experience for queer students at one of the most famous Christian schools in the nation: Baylor University.

LGBTQ students at Baylor have had their dorm room doors plastered with homophobic slurs written on sticky notes. They've been bullied on social media for their sexual orientation. And as a rule, the school forces them to hide who they are in order to comply with anti-LGBTQ school policies.

But when queer students filed complaints against the university for ignoring homophobic harassment on campus, Baylor refused to accept responsibility and instead asked the federal government to step in –- claiming their status as a Christian institution exempts them from anti-homophobia civil rights laws. And sadly, the federal government agreed.

The Bible compels us to uphold the God-given dignity of all people, and we can't stay silent when institutions twist our faith to excuse discriminating against and even harassing LGBTQ people. Let's lift our voices alongside LGBTQ student leaders and make it clear to Baylor University that we find their defense of the mistreatment of LGBTQ students in their care unacceptable.
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To: Baylor University President Linda Livingstone
From: [Your Name]

Dear Baylor University President Linda Livingstone,

As people deeply committed to upholding the God-given dignity of all people, and who believe in protecting the safety and human rights of every individual, we are dismayed that Baylor University has chosen to seek extended protection under Title IX for its harmful, homophobic practices and ideologies -- including the tolerance of sexual harassment targeting LGBTQ+ students and staff. We believe that Baylor's discriminatory practices and policies directly oppose clear biblical tenets to love everyone, especially those who are outcast and marginalized. Furthermore, Baylor's unequal treatment of the LGBTQ+ community places a mental and emotional burden on students and leaves them vulnerable to harm and abuse, while also denying them any form of justice or relief.

We stand in solidarity with queer and trans students, faculty, and alumni. We believe that the commandment to love our neighbor extends to our LGBTQ+ neighbors. We believe that every person, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, should be ensured the same protections and rights.

We ask that you end the discriminatory treatment of LGBTQ+ students at Baylor, and allow students to advocate for their own humanity instead of seeking to silence them.

We ask that you fully and thoroughly review every allegation of sexual harassment on Baylor’s campus, including harassment experienced by LGBTQ+ students.

We ask that you meet with concerned members of the Baylor community, listen to their stories, and work with them to take concrete action to make the Baylor campus a more welcoming, loving space for LGBTQ+ students and staff.

Thank you.