Preserve the Educational Mission of GCC (Grove City College)
Comments
#401
I could echo many of the thoughts and sentiments already represented in these comments. I simply want to say that I am very disappointed to see GCC drifting further into conservative political hype, and simultaneously further away from a focus on Christian truth and a focus on the two greatest commandments: loving God and loving our neighbors. Please do not stifle difficult and absolutely necessary discussions about race and racism out of fear. It is not the college’s job to shelter young adults, but to educate them and supply wisdom relating to the difficult issues facing Christianity today. The board’s inclination to censor professors and staff members conducting crucial race discussions is a sad example of just how much of a “bubble” GCC has been, and it does every student and graduate a disservice.Christ commands us in the Bible to seek and pursue justice. This can and must include a strong effort to include diverse perspectives and voices as an integral part of any legitimate Christian education.
Kara Cutler (Charlotte, NC, 2022-04-30)
#404
Racial equality is and always will be something worth fighting for. How can we learn to recognize injustice and how to respond if our professors are too afraid of being accused of teaching CRT?Hunter Kiedis (Pittsburgh, 2022-04-30)
#405
I wholeheartedly support the tenets of this petition. It will be difficult to continue to financially support GCC (through tuition or otherwise) if the Board of Trustees were to adopt the report and it’s recommendations.Amy Fedeli (Bethesda, 2022-04-30)
#408
I’m an Social Studies teacher and product of GCC’s education department, which never flinched from preparing their students for life beyond the confines of campus. This statement by the board is antithetical to the intellectual and spiritual mission of the College and bends to the will of buzzwords and pop politics.Erin Sherman Anderson (Girard PA, 2022-04-30)
#410
The college SHOULD be anti-racist and a safe place for people of all backgrounds to learn.Brady Figuly (Pittsburgh, 2022-04-30)
#416
After working at GCC for 14 years, I have witnessed the changes through the years. At one point the college was more open to diversity and the environment was more welcoming and it was a great work place. The last few years the faculty and student body became less and less diverse. As a minority and a language prof I witnessed many colleagues leave either by their own volition or because of pressure from the college. I have also seen the minority students dwindle away.In my (humble) opinion, the reason for higher learning institutions is to help students learn about the world and how to relate to others, and as a Christian institution it also means that we are to also learn to love our brothers and sisters and make sure to fight for justice and equality. When you have speakers in chapel who promote our Lord’s teaching we should exult them instead of demonize them and make us the example of Christian love and accept others differences and realize that we are all God’s children.
Carla Ligo (Grove City, 2022-05-01)
#418
Hearing of and then reading the report from the Ad Hoc Committee of the Grove City College Board of Trustees has been disheartening. I loved my time at GCC and have always expressed that to others but could not recommend the school as long as this report stands uncorrected.Matthew Bauman (Forest Grove, 2022-05-01)
#420
As an alumnus of the class of 2008 who now works in higher education training future teachers, I see daily the importance of frank, honest, thoughtfully facilitated discussions of racial and ethnic diversity. I urge the Board of Trustees to reject the Ad Hoc committee's report and to allow GCC to continue to be an exemplar for academic freedom. GCC students are bright and discerning and ready to engage with a range of topics with the guidance of the gifted and dedicated faculty. The Ad Hoc committee's report does not reflect the values of GCC and the opinions of a majority.Alison (Seefeldt) Hooper '08
Alison Hooper (Tuscaloosa, 2022-05-01)
#434
Very disappointed with the current direction the college is headed, and the move to politics over Christian values. One sided discourse is not true learning.Wendy Kinnear (New Castle, 2022-05-01)
#435
Grove City College sits at a pivotal crossroads. My prayer is that all in leadership would be able to see behind the thin veil of narrow political agendas and fundamentalist ideologies and return Christ and His teachings as the lens through which decisions are made. Jesus is Lux Mea. Not “conservatism.”Laura Doherty Collins (Nashville, 2022-05-01)
#442
Everything said in this update is true and necessary. Thank you for clearly connecting social justice to the Bible and the Gospel here. Thank you for clearly explaining how CRT is being twisted and stretched into something it is not.Joshua Ledyard (Greensburg, 2022-05-01)
#445
If GCC is going to claim to value things like free speech and rigorous academics, discussions on a variety of theories should not only be allowed, but encouraged.Victoria Livolsi (Blairsville, 2022-05-01)
#449
I am also concerned that the vision statement is possibly changing back to utilize the word “conservative”. The revised statement using the word “traditional” and other terms is more precise and thoughtful. The word conservative is a political word in this present world. The modifications made to the statement removing the word “conservative” place Gospel and the Kingdom over politics.Greg Wilhelm (Lancaster, 2022-05-01)
#453
The importance of differing views and concepts that challenge one’s beliefs are central to any college education. With that said, Grove City college is the furthest thing from “woke” and this current manufactured outrage is yet another attempt by authoritarians to stifle free thought and open dialogue. Instead of shutting down debate GCC should encourage more of it.Matt MacIsaac (GROVE CITY, 2022-05-01)
#459
The report from the Ad Hoc Committee of the Grove City College Board of Trustees clearly illustrates that the committee has confused Christian values with conservative political ideology. Given that the latter is increasingly in conflict with the teachings of Christ, it is deeply concerning and intensely disappointing that the Board would even consider accepting this report, much less taking any action that it advises. Diversity of all types is and always has been lacking at GCC; those who stand against understanding their own privelege and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion on the campus do a disservice to all former, current, and future students. If GCC truly wants to improve diversity, not to mention be the hands of Christ in this world, it critical that 1) the report and it's findings be unequivocally rejected, and 2) that substantial investment is made to help students, faculty, and staff understand the lived experience of those who are different from them.Andra (Reed) Garner, Ph.D. (Pitman, NJ, 2022-05-01)
#472
While my worldview may have evolved significantly since my time at GCC, it's still a shame to see an institution like the College withdraw into partisan bickering and fear-mongering. The College I attended believed that all truth was God's truth, no matter where it fell on the political spectrum.Benjamin Cheatham (Allison Park, 2022-05-02)
#474
As an administrator at a tier 1 research institution, the idea that the committee writing this report did any amount of REAL research for this is laughable at best. Opinion pieces from far right blogs or propoganda networks are not scholarly sources of information. The rest of the academic community has standards. Perhaps instead of reading about opinions that align with the political agenda they wish to force on others, they should have tried reading the course materials that were in question. A course list of reading assignments does not account for the discussions that take place in the classroom. DEI topics are extremely important for students who are going into education or social work. Censoring discussions on race also goes against the idea that GCC upholds values of freedom. If you want freedom of speech, then you can't be censoring the topics that get discussed on campus or banning books. I would also urge the board to consider the job placement ramifications for current and future students. Are schools going to want to risk hiring a teacher who graduated from an institution that embraces racism? While I might know that the faculty are wonderful professors who do everything to ensure their students are prepared to enter their career field, potential employers do not. If the reason discussions on race are violating the college mission is because true CRT is a theory and not a "permanent idea" then GCC shouldn't be in the business of education, because EVERY subject has theoretical ideas that students need to have a working knowledge of. On a final note, I find it extremely reprehensible that the between the lines reading in this report seems to be that the faculty/staff members involved in teaching about DEI issues should be fired. I hope I'm wrong about that inference, but it won't surprise me if I'm not. As at least one other signer put, there's a reason my husband and I don't give money to GCC, and this report is a prime example of why. GCC needs to stop worshipping political idols and start worshipping God. We chose GCC for the rigorous academics on a Christian campus, not because of politics.Jessica Jopek (Pierce) (College Park, 2022-05-02)
#475
I am someone who attended Grove City College and am deeply troubled by the direction it is going. I have always been proud of my connection to GCC but right now I stand ashamed at it. I would never have thought that when GCC was in the national spotlight like it is now it would be because of something so negative. That alone should give the board great pause. Jesus’ greatest commandment was to “Love one another as I have loved you”’ How can the board be upholding Christian values and living by Christ’s example when they are trying to take down a facet of the college that leads to learning about abs understanding other cultures, our fellow man that we are to love? Putting a muzzle on any conversation about race is certainly not a way to bring light to this commandment. I strongly urge the board to reject this report.Sara Solida (Oil City, 2022-05-02)
#476
I'm signing because I am deeply disturbed by the committee's report.Karen Fulton (Irwin, 2022-05-02)
#481
I’m signing this petition because I’m disappointed in my alma mater. I have no desire to support this school financially or by word or mouth when I know that the school does not desire to live out the call to social justice. There’s a difference between being conservative and choosing to actively not follow the teachings of Jesus. Political differences are one thing, but choosing not to talk about how some of God’s children are discriminated against because it doesn’t fit whatever narrative you’re trying to push? That’s how you push ignorance onto your students. That’s how you chose to not prepare them for the real world. And, more importantly, that’s how you choose to actively push others away from God. I don’t want to be a part of a religion that doesn’t stand up for injustices. In fact, I’m not. My God actively stood with those that the Pharisees ignored. My God flipped tables when unrighteousness acts were committed but religious people. My God died to save everyone, and what better way to show it than to stand up against racism? What better way to show it than to not shy away from our history, but to learn from it?Anna Williams (Germantown, 2022-05-02)
#482
Protect the opportunity to be uncomfortable so that discomfort will lead to growth. Protect it in the classroom, protect it in the chapel, protect it everywhere on campus.GCC needs to continue to have conversations about difficult topics and not sweep these issues under the rug for fear of upsetting donors (1 Timothy 6:10 feels appropriate here). The college has the incredible opportunity to host discussions, to present multiple viewpoints, to allow students to think critically but have the resources to form their own opinion. To shield students from potentially concerning topics is to deprive them of the opportunity to think for themselves.
One last thing I want to add here:
Christianity > conservatism or liberalism or any other label.
It’s sickening to see Christianity conformed to a political position, it’s sickening to see “CRT” slapped on anything race-related, and it’s far worse to see it in action at an institution I held in such high regard.
Courtney Mattey (Hermitage, PA, 2022-05-02)
#483
GCC cannot provide appropriate education to its students without true academic freedom, both of its faculty and the students themselves. The college must not sacrifice its calling by giving into CRT-fearmongering bullies who seek to stunt academic discussion and growth regarding racial issues, or any other issues. That is terrible scholarship. CRT and other race-based topics must be open for learning and discussion at GCC.Laura Lathrop (Attica, IN, 2022-05-02)
#486
I’m signing because a GCC professor visited my child’s PCA school to spread his anti-CRT campaign. I’ve 2 sons adopted from China, both disabled, & he told us that Asian & disability communities are identities of choice. As though either of my precious children chose to lose their birth parents, culture, & home because of their disabilities. As though somehow their comfort among Chinese &/or disabled friends is the enemy of identifying as American first. He never even mentioned the importance of our identity in Christ—only the superiority of rooting one’s identity in nation-state.Anna Caudill (Nashville, 2022-05-02)
#491
I am signing because the petition against Dr. Tisby and the conversation around race is horrendous. Dr. Tisby’s message challenged the campus to learn and decide how they would respond. It said nothing about CRT, just the truth about racism. Furthermore the books they try to also say are CRT literature ( Reading While Black and How To Be AntiRacist) are actually great books to help one fully understand racism. Grove City tries to say they are defending the principals of the college but really they are simply afraid of the truth and having to come face to face with the issues of racism and how they have mishandled it in the past and currently. Their initial petition speaks volumes to how they care little about diversity and having honest, hard conversations about racism.Allison Hull (Pittsburgh, PA, 2022-05-02)
#492
I listened to the chapel in which Dr. Tisby spoke. I read the committee report. I read professors' accounts. It seems the committee has done a poor investigation at best or misled the Board (and everyone else) and lacked integrity, at worst.Michelle Minnich (Winston Salem, 2022-05-02)
#497
Grove City College has played an important part in my family's history. One set of grandparents, my parents, my siblings, and I are all graduates and have undeniably been impacted by our experiences on campus through the years. We are a family that has varying approaches to politics, theology, and public life, yet we are deeply committed to our relationship with Christ and with each other. It is my hope that GCC does not become just another institution that sows fear, hatred, division, and political idolatry, but would model thoughtful dialogue, critical thinking, and Christ-centered discipleship through its classroom discussions, campus staff and faculty relationships, chapel programming, and more. I hope GCC trustees and leadership will listen to the voices of students, current faculty, and alums who provide a perspective that is rooted in lived experience and relationship rather than relying on the short-term work of a committee that seems to be more concerned with GCC being a "beacon of conservatism" than it is with GCC shining the light of Christ.Grace Leuenberger (Kent, 2022-05-02)
#498
I don't want to be ashamed and angry at my alma mater for choosing their financial gain, political connections, and own egos over true academic integrity, caring for their student body, and committing themselves to growth.Maddie Myetst (Pittsburgh, 2022-05-02)
#499
As an alumna of GCC, I was appalled to hear how Dr. Tisby has been disrespected by this "report" authorized by the Board of Trustees.In 2021 I co-hosted/co-sponsored two webinars with Dr. Tisby where he presented, and responded to, his two illuminating and transformative books. The webinars were received with much gratitude and affirmation for his scholarly and clear presentation of historical facts that implicates the Christian Church in the promotion and continuation of racism, while also offering viable ways to fight racism. While this is difficult for white people to hear and accept, we must not ignore hard truths in order to fulfill our calling to be Christ's agents of love and transformation for the benefit of the common good, most especially for those who have been oppressed and marginalized.
It is distressing and disheartening to see how GCC has taken such a hard turn to the right, making certain political views, not the gospel of Jesus, their guiding light.
Rebecca Husband Maynard (Thurmond NC, 2022-05-02)
#505
Grove City stands at a cross roads between the path of populist anti-CRT hysteria that silences voices and does not reflect the Gospel and the path of academic freedom. I am proud of the history of academic freedom at Grove City and I pray that the Board will see that their statement compromises this and prevents reasonable, Gospel-centered discussions about the repercussions of historic prejudice.Peter Foster (Columbia, 2022-05-02)
#510
Talking about sin should never be made illegal in a Christian institutionAndrew Jones (Pittsburgh, 2022-05-02)
#511
Jesus did not run away, ignore, or try to reason away injustice in his time. Why are we? He saw it, addressed it personally, and called out leaders who did nothing about it. Why are we not?(John 4).
Christianity does not equal conservatism. The Bible is very clear when it calls us to be open minded, love those who are different, and to celebrate those differences. What I am seeing from the leaders of the campus and many of the students and staff is not the behavior of the Jesus I know.
Hannah Young (Wheaton, 2022-05-02)
#513
I am signing because Grove City College should be just as rigorous and thoughtful in it’s reports and decisions as it expects it’s students to be. The college where “Faith and Freedom” matter should be more concerned with upholding the teachings of Christ than with aligning itself with “conservative” donors. The college at the very least should demonstrate more respect, Christ-likeness, and academic rigor than what the report portrays.Logan Gwynn (Grove City, 2022-05-02)
#517
I'm in favor of students being taught how to think, not what to think. It seems as though the college made a commitment to diversity in students, faculty and viewpoints but has now turned its back on this.Barbara Bird Evans (Sardis, MS, 2022-05-02)
#523
I’m signing because I am not proud to be a graduate. This is not Christian.Rebekah Seltzer-Idgunji (Mount Gretna, 2022-05-03)
#524
It’s the right thing to do.Christopher Leaman (Willow Street, 2022-05-03)
#527
This is a sad time for an already limping college. Repent and turn to Christ, not political fear-mongering.Philip Gross (Syracuse, 2022-05-03)
#528
It is a mark of Biblical faith to have a body that can honestly discuss and address its differences and seek unity at the foot of the cross. Motions like that of the ad hoc community push for an artificial unity unbecoming of a Christian institute, built on a refusal to acknowledge differing issues and needs.Tim McLaughlin (Ashby, 2022-05-03)
#530
I’m watching this happen with absolute horror. I was fortunate enough to learn about things like structural inequalities and socio-economic stratification when I attended GCC — concepts that I’m so thankful to have learned about.Tightly controlling what professors can teach isn’t going to serve anyone well. Offer an opposing views class if you must, but refusing to allow minorities to speak their truth about their lived and observed experiences is the opposite of loving one’s neighbor.
How can I effectively love my neighbor if I don’t know that they’re struggling? How can I be part of the solution to help my neighbor (the active part of love) if I don’t know the nature of what they’re struggling against?
This report seeks to hinder the ability of your current students to better understand, love, and help their non-white neighbors. What would Jesus say?
Elizabeth Alger (Hendersonville, 2022-05-03)
#540
A lot of good comes from discussions about race and understanding other people's experiences. When that subject is taboo, misunderstanding and ignorance are left to grow.Heidi Laursen (New Philadelphia, 2022-05-04)
#549
Exploring the experiences of people who are different from us is an important part of both education and personal growth. It is learning, not indoctrination. Colleges should not promote narrow-minded, parochial points of view, but should instead encourage gathering information from many viewpoints and allowing the student to critically evaluate that information. A Christian college, especially, should be committed to social justice.Elizabeth Green (Jamestown, 2022-05-04)
#551
I am glad that someone FINALLY had the courage to take this action. GCC gave my wife, two of our daughters and me a good solid education, but even then refused to allow students to grow beyond its confines. It needs to stop its irrational fear of outside ideas.James Steadman (Erie, PA, 2022-05-04)
#552
As friends of Grove City College (spouse of an alum). I was disturbed as I read through the Ad Hoc Committee’s report. Specifically, I have watched both the Jemar Tisby chapel service and the Bryan Stevenson TED Talk referenced in the report. It is completely legitimate to critique and provide counter arguments for the perspectives expressed in these video. However, it is deeply troubling to say that it was a mistake to invite the likes of Tisby in the first place or share the Stevenson video. I would hope that Grove City would be an institution that would expose young adults to a diversity of voices and viewpoints which reflect the broad spectrum thoughts that they are likely to encounter in our society. Furthermore, varying voices within the Christian community should be embraced and shared without fear. The protective and defensive reactions expressed in this report lay out a path for Grove City College to develop fragile students and not strong future Christian leaders.Rob Mischler (Girard, PA, 2022-05-04)
#554
It makes me so sad that this is how GCC is choosing to stand on this issue rather than siding with those who are marginalized and discriminated against, which is what Jesus did when He walked this earth. I have been distancing myself from my alma mater for years as I wrestle with their staunch conservatism, but this is simply embarrassing.Wendy Hall (MONROE, 2022-05-04)
#555
Grove City needs to bring itself into the real world and not hide behind the rock. It needs to accept the fact there are more than white people in this world and accept those of color as viable, important people who can make a difference in this world and the world of GCC,Alison Steadman (Erie, PA, 2022-05-05)
#557
I am deeply saddened and disappointed in my alma mater. The church is called to more than politics and more than fear.Hannah Gourley (Glenshaw, 2022-05-05)
#558
I am an exasperated alumConnie Long (Worthington, 2022-05-05)
#560
Quoted from the 4/28/22 update:Articulated concern:
"...... shutting down the Diversity Council (how can you say its work is through?), and denigrating all efforts at diversity awareness cannot send a welcoming message to minority students, families, and prospective faculty.
Personal Experience:
During my 4 years at GCC, I struggled emotionally with many things, including the lack of diversity in the student population, political affiliation, religious affiliation, and countless other situations that were foreign to me, as I grew up in a very culturally and socially diverse community.
I should have transferred after my freshman year, but wonderful friendships had been made, and my parents believed I was at a "safe" school. I didn't want to let them down and GCC had an excellent reputation as a small liberal arts college.
I did not thrive during my four years at GCC, although many around me did, which made me feel as if something was wrong with me. I had been an excellent student coming into GCC, but I graduated from GCC as a mediocre student, at best.
It saddens me that the Grove City College I experienced in the late 70s, continues to exist today, and possibly under worse conditions.
The struggles that GCC faces are the struggles that many private and church-affiliated higher education institutions and churches, nationally and internationally, are dealing with, and these struggles have, in many cases, resulted in splintered and fractured communities of faith. There is much work to be done, to be sure, and unfortunately, the easiest route chosen for many in positions of authority is "to kick the can down the road".
Rachel Jones (Damascus, MD, 2022-05-05)
#561
I didn't think I could be any more appalled by the actions of Grove City College than I was when Mike Pence was invited to speak at Commencement several years ago. And then I read the Special Committee's report. Is this really what Jesus would do?Bethany Blood (Erie, PA, 2022-05-05)
#565
When I was a student at Grove City, I heard far too many people make jokes/comments about the small number of minority students on campus. Which is typically followed by something like this, “Well it’s not surprising because what minority would want to come here—92% white and maybe 5 minority professors/staff.” I’ve also heard sad stories of racist comments made on campus, specifically to Black individuals. I agreed wholeheartedly with Ed Breen’s statement to make Grove City representative of the world in which we live. Regardless of one’s views of CRT, all racial discussions are not CRT. Racism is real, and the college should not push it under the rug in fear that students will turn from their right-wing conservatism. Let students think for themselves, and more importantly teach them to discern what the Spirit is saying to them. True academic freedom does not prohibit certain topics from being discussed—and CRT should not be the exception. Teaching a topic does not mean one believes it to be true, especially in the classroom setting ie world religions, government classes, biology classes about evolution or controversial opinions of genetics. If we truly want Grove City to develop strong leaders in all areas of life, we shouldn’t be worried to teach on a wide variety of topics. As a Grove City biology grad, one of the things I’m most thankful for is the critical thinking skills I’ve developed through engaging in discussions about evolution, IVF, and CRISPR/Cas9. But like I said before, the college should first and foremost want to develop students to live by the Spirit and use critical thinking to assist them in discernment. Racism is real, and we can’t choose to ignore it anymore.Hannah Bernstein (Harrisburg, PA, 2022-05-06)
#566
The Grove City College that I attended taught intellectual rigor, humility and critical thinking. It’s difficult to read the report and believe that it came out of the same Grove City College. CRT and conversations about race and racial reconciliation are not synonymous. But the special report seems to glibly confound the two, playing into the current political climate instead of standing above it with reasoned debate. I’d encourage the board of trustees to thoughtfully consider what they are trying to protect with this report, and why.Mary Teisserenc (Trease ‘11) (Ondres, 2022-05-06)
#568
To follow in Jesus's footsteps means to promote justice and love for all, particularly those who are marginalized and downtrodden in society. It takes getting uncomfortable and truly listening to other perspectives to do this effectively.Claire Boykiw (Pittsburgh, 2022-05-07)
#569
As an alum who has always felt proud to have graduated from GCC, the report is an embarrassment. I hope the Board rejects the report in favor of racial justice, free speech, and free academic inquiry. GCC should answer only to the Lord, not particular conservative political factions.Christie McHugh Ketterman (Pittsburgh, 2022-05-07)
#576
GCC has been consistent in its opposition to free speech and rigorous academic discourse. Despite its continued commitment to racism, homophobia, and misogyny, this moment remains absurdly shameful and deserves to be identified as such.Joanne Montano (Philadelphia, 2022-05-09)
#577
I received a good education at GCC and want future students to receive the same. The censoring of classrooms and faculty will prohibit such an education, as well as doing harm to students of colour. Christians are called to act justly. Nothing about this report is just. It is racist, ignorant, and the opposite of the high quality scholarship and intellectual pursuit that GCC purportedly stands for.Anna Beaudry (Waco, 2022-05-09)
#580
The world we live in is large and complicated and the attempt of the board committee report to assign all discussions of race as "bad" and recommend actions to remove all of these discussions and pretend race doesn't exist as "good" will only make GCC's world smaller and the edges of its bubble more distinct. Whole discussions, without limitations, should be encouraged. It seems that these discussions were not entered into in the "research" phase of crafting this report, as it is incredibly one-sided and assumes that any and all discussion of race was problematic. Further to that issue, the blame game in the report, where there was no support for the college staff who engaged in these courses and trainings, is appalling. There is much to be ashamed of within the pages of the report and I encourage the Board of Trustees to reject it.Annie Hamill (Acton, MA, 2022-05-09)
#583
I trust the GCC faculty and administrators to pursue the vision of the college. Capitulating to a small group of angry people on the internet (like starting a large scale investigation because of a petition) never goes well. We knew the school needed to do better at supporting and recruiting ethnic minority students and staff when I was there 10+ years ago. How are we STILL shooting ourselves in the foot like this?Jonathan Dennis (Fredericksburg, 2022-05-09)
#587
There is a difference between faith informing politics and politics informing faith. I'm extremely disappointed that GCC is choosing the latter. Shutting down genuine conversations around race and racism is not Christ-like and is not serving the students, professors, or staff at this institution, especially those who are Black or people of color. Do better. Love thy neighbor. Seek their forgiveness and reconciliation. DO. BETTER.Donna Westcott (Mechanicsville, 2022-05-10)
#588
Jemar Tisby is an important voice in the work of Christian racial reconciliation. I think an academic institution like Grove City College, especially since GCC claims to be a Christian based educational institution, should hear from diverse viewpoints in the Christian community. Because of this, I truly believe the GCC Board of Trustees should issue a public apology to Dr. Tisby for their misinformed and inaccurate portrayal of his work.Mark Maynard (Thurmond Road, Thurmond NC 28683, 2022-05-10)
#590
I agree with the petition.Judith Simpson (Webster, 2022-05-10)
#591
I believe in your missionDiana Burmann (Brooksville, 2022-05-10)
#595
I believe in Free Speech and will fight for your right to disagree with me. I support discussions of race, racism, and race relations in all classrooms.Jessica Knutila (Spring Hill, 2022-05-10)
#596
It is a mistake to define conservatism as conformity of thought and opinion, as the Board's decision to ban CRT does. Such thinking is based on the unbiblical belief that Jesus died to preserve certain religious VALUES that Christians must defend at all costs - when in reality, Jesus died out of love for people (John 3.16). And to love people, students need to learn how to serve without fear that the people they serve hold different views, values, beliefs, etc. This is the point of what Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at the well, in Gospel of John. But we are always afraid of what we don't understand, and white people, by and large, do not understand the experience of blacks in America. It is sad that the Board seems to wish to preserve the whiteness of GCC and call attention to that fact, instead of its real witnessMichael Barr (Richmond, 2022-05-10)