Baylor University’s School of Social Work returned a $643,000 grant for research focused on LGBTQ+ individuals in congregational settings, according to NBC News and a university statement.
Baylor president Linda Livingstone wrote in a message to the campus that returning the grant was the “appropriate course of action and in the best interests of Baylor University.” She said her concerns were not about the research but rather “activities that followed as part of the grant,” which she said “extended into advocacy for perspectives on human sexuality that are inconsistent with Baylor’s institutional policies, including our Statement on Human Sexuality.” (Baylor is a Baptist institution.)
Livingstone added that the university continues to uphold “the principle of academic freedom.”
“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,” she wrote. “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.”
The grant from the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation was supposed to support research into how churches could better support women and the LGBTQ+ community. The foundation told NBC News that returning the grant does a disservice to Baylor students and faculty.
“This was an opportunity to answer the Christian call to care for the marginalized by creating resources and providing important research for faith communities,” the statement said. “Our hearts break for the professors, research fellows, and, especially, the students who will receive this message from Baylor, loud and clear.”
