Dr. Linda E. Thomas has been a teacher, a mentor, and a doctor-mother to countless students at the LSTC. Across every degree program and every continent she has mentored us, challenged us, and formed us into public leaders–in the world and in the church.

Rooted in deep love, rigorous study, and a desire for justice in the world, her teaching and her scholarly contributions have deepened our understanding of the systems and structures that dehumanize people and diminish life for everyone, especially those who are all too often marginalized–which makes the recent news of her demotion and displacement by the institution all the more troubling and infuriating.

Why? Because the systems of dehumanization that she taught us to recognize and transform are now being weaponized against her.

In Advent, this season of hope, rather than leaning into the mission of the school, the leadership of the school has chosen to sacrifice a brilliant Womanist theologian, professor, and Dean who has shaped generations of scholars and church leaders.

This is not an isolated incident. Dr. Thomas's demotion follows a disturbing pattern of recent terminations of staff of color at LSTC. A Reconciling in Christ seminary that proclaims its commitment to anti-racism, diversity in every mailer and solicitation for money, LSTC should know better–and do better.

We understand that removal as Academic Dean is not only a demotion, but it is a move that will result in a $20,000 salary cut beginning May 2026.

At the same time, a replacement has already been named to begin in January 2026, indicating that a hiring process was underway entirely behind Dr. Thomas's back, without transparency or respect for her decades of faithful service to this institution.

Many of us are who we are today because of Dr. Thomas's investment in our lives and vocations. This reckless decision impacts us as well as the future of the ELCA. We won't stand silent while she is disrespected and discarded by new leadership and decision-makers at LSTC.

We demand:
The reinstatement of Dr. Linda E. Thomas as Academic Dean with full restoration of her position, salary, and authority.
If this reinstatement is refused, Dr. Thomas must retain her current full salary without the $20,000 reduction, in perpetuity, in recognition of her contributions and to prevent financial hardship caused by this unjust action.
If these demands are not met, the LSTC Board of Directors must take disciplinary action against President Shauna Hannan and consider her removal for leadership that contradicts LSTC's stated mission and values.

Our commitment:
As alumni, former students, and supporters who have been asked repeatedly to contribute financially to LSTC—including during the recent fundraising campaign—we pledge to cease all financial contributions to LSTC until this injustice is remedied. We will not fund an institution that demotes and diminishes the very people who made us who we are, especially when those actions disproportionately impact and harm faculty and staff of color.

In Solidarity,

The Undersigned Students, Former Students, Colleagues, and Friends of Dr. Linda E. Thomas