Contact: Cary Doyle

864.614.2299
[email protected]

Released: June 30th, 2022

In Response to Anderson University’s Commentary on Sexual Identity and Civility

It has come to the attention of current LGBTQ+ students, alumni, and allies that Anderson University has
released a private statement on their commentary on sexual identity and civility. Though we have inquired
through multiple emails and social media posts, as well as engaged in a peaceful protest, we have not
received a direct answer from the University regarding this issue. We also have not engaged in any
discussion with the University regarding their policies surrounding queer students and faculty or the
demands that we have made. It is not our aim to change the religious beliefs or tenets of Anderson
University. However, we do wish to acknowledge that the existence of LGBTQ+ people is
non-negotiable. Our primary goal is to advocate for equality, protection, and representation for faculty,
students, and staff who identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community within Anderson’s community. To
safely exist as a member of the LGBTQ+ community is not a political or cultural issue, but a right

There are several contradictions and statements within the private response issued by Anderson
University that we would like to address. In this response, we aim to directly address these contradictions
and present a list of demands for the University to move forward on the issue. The University’s statement
primarily emphasized their civility in responding to queer students, their financial contribution and
assistance to queer students, and the need to sacrifice and compromise for the sake of community.

Regarding civility, as seen on June 26, 2022, the protest for LGBTQ+ rights on the sidewalk in front of
campus followed proper city protocol and procedure regarding the right to peacefully assemble. To the
best of the writer’s knowledge, no instances or acts of incivility towards straight students took place at
this event or otherwise. On the other hand, both current LGBTQ+ students and alumni have expressed
feeling unsafe and experiencing harassment on campus, but have felt uncomfortable bringing it to the
attention of administrators. In this way, it feels as though the LGBTQ+ community is exhibiting this
civility without reciprocity.

Queer students are undeniably present at Anderson University. Regarding the University’s statement on
scholarship and financial assistance to LGBTQ+ students, we can find no statistics referencing finances
specifically allocated to LGBTQ+ individuals. While queer students do receive general scholarship funds
from the university, because the University does not inquire about their students’ sexual identity or gender
orientation, there is no way for them to assign a firm monetary figure to that. Regardless of this, LGBTQ+
students hold multiple positions within the university, including but not limited to; admissions, office
assistants, and teaching assistants. It is also no secret that in The South Carolina School of the Arts, queer
students are also cast in theatre and music productions in wich the University profits from ticket sales.
Additionally, these students’ images are used in advertising and promotional material seen across the
region. We are proud to represent our university, but only if Anderson University is proud to represent us
and our queerness, as well as pledge to keep us safe. By refusing to acknowledge and provide protection
for the queer community on campus, Anderson University is closing off opportunities for them to receive
money, talents, and time from the LGBTQ+ community.

While we understand that Anderson University is a Christian university that upholds the Southern Baptist
Convention’s statement of faith, this does not mean that LGBTQ+ people should be pushed out of the
conversation. Oftentimes, queer people come to discover their sexuality and gender while at college, and
Anderson University is no exception to this. Psychologically, ages 18 to 24 are pivotal for identity
formation in emerging adults. Anderson University acknowledges this as a core part of their educational
model:
The Gold Core Curriculum, Anderson University's General Education program,
plays a vital part in your growth, both as a student and as a person. The goal is
not for you to simply accumulate information. The Gold Core Curriculum,
grounded in AU’s Christian mission and liberal arts tradition, is designed to
prepare you to become a productive, creative, ethical global citizen with a love
for learning and commitment to your community.

Through this statement, the University acknowledges that, in a student’s time on campus, they encourage
this growth to occur. Part of that growth often involves discovery of sexual and gender orientation; to
deny that would be to deny human psychology. In reference to faith, queer Christians exist on Anderson’s
campus. There are many different beliefs held on interpretations of scripture, as the University made clear
in their statement. While the position of the University on Scripture is respected, the position of their
students should be equally respected by administrative action. This is not currently the case. A
compromise must be reached.

In their commentary, Anderson University states they “will continue to explore and consider other ways
[they] can support and love [their] LGBTQ+ students.” To that end, we along with the undersigned have
the following demands of Anderson University:
 ● Commit to not terminating or otherwise disciplining faculty, staff, and/or students on the basis of
sexuality and/or gender identity
● Hold a mandatory cultural competency training for all department heads and administration
● Establish an LGBTQ+ employee resource group
● Establish an LGBTQ+ Anderson Alumni Council

These demands are the first steps towards reconciliation and healing with Anderson University’s queer
students, employees, and alumni.

We are not asking the University to change their beliefs. We are asking them to uphold the policies
outlined in their own Student Handbook and commentary to ensure that Anderson is a safe, welcoming,
and loving campus for all.

Yours in Solidarity,

The Anderson University LGBTQ+ Activists:

Their undersigners, who pledge not to contribute financially to AU until such safeties are instilled:
MaryGrace Whitlock Macie Belk Annilia Nichols
Chandler Pennington Rebecca Johnson Eliese Roberts
Alexandria Bagwell Amy Douglas Brianna Green
Lauren Renner Joshua vanderVeen Joshua Barnes
Kennedi Traynor Sarah Greene Ariel Leek
Julie Sultan Elizabeth Anderson Ian Coulter
Mhairi Henderson Taylor Busch Ashley Taylor
Victoria Hilbourn Matthew Fricks Dorothy Haynes
Joseph Hilbourn Royce Braman Katie Bailey
Thomas Greene Michael Lewis Molly Dungan
Holland Fowler Aaron Fletcher Tobias Walker
Adam Hobbs Greyson Wade Olivia Knight
Hope Duncan Anne Tromsness Cameron Knight
Taylor Tessnear Jordan Cochran Rachel Bruce
Roxanne Vogel Cory Simmons Cody Durham
Carson Brown David Veatch Adam Arsi
Corianna Camenzind Anna Elyse Lewis Maya Trowborst
Brian Davis DeAna Earl Nīna Teal
Tyler Rabideau Amy Wert Caroline Hiatt
Timothy Gravely Sean Siegel Grayson Hiatt
Taylor Morris Nik Priestly Madison Fuller
Grace Cervantes Caitlin Noblin Mitchell Herring
Hayley Fambrough Cameron Willis Hayley McDonald
Cleshawna Rich Jacob Willis Parker McDonald
Rachel Greene Jen Schwartz Joe Montore
Samantha Garman Autumn Donnelly Emily Schrieffer
Francell Menchaca Zoe Pippin Stephen Copeland
Kelly Legacy Debbie Trentler Sara Tolson
Violet Harris Tanner Dean Scott Ripley
Sofia Lawson Emilee Bradford Rachel Wood
Ellen Schwerd Shari Tingle Micilin Howard
Kody Hall Eliza Sandifer Aubry Harmon
Emma Erskine Sallie Watson Grayson Anthony
Luke Murphy Meg Reaves Austin Rivera
Frankecia Bartley Samantha Jemmott Grant Looper
Lena Trinidad Laura Bennett Johnathon Crooks
Mara Leone Claudette Alford Allison Halperin
Yoana Vasquez Jade Fousek Nathan Carlton
Amberlynn Heath Helen Joy Brock Gunner Willis
Rachel Blake Mendeci Rivera Matthew Campbell
Sarah Teague Dani Ganey Angelia Harmon
Alain Paul Justin Whaley Grace Gilbert
Ethan Fisher-Perez Jolea Hoehne Emily Ackerman
Harley Gilmore Kelly Lee Milly Curlee
David Ligon Emme Inabinett Wade Holloman
Michael Gilbert Maxwell Sauls
Ralphie Ford Lisa Molleker