Preserve the Educational Mission of GCC (Grove City College)

Comments

#203

The sin of racism remains an active problem, both in our churches and our country. Mislabeling any discussion of race as CRT is both a poor understanding of actual critical theory and a convenient way to sweep uncomfortable topics under the rug.

I have worried in recent years that the college atmosphere has been one with a stronger commitment to political polarization than its commitment to faith and academics. Inhibiting intellectual discourse on such a biblically-relevant topic in the name of a politically-charged red herring would be a mistake.

Holly Shaheen (Lakewood, 2022-03-21)

#206

History needs to be taught as accurately as possible, and open discussions about challenging topics is a cornerstone of higher education.

Virginia Remington Barnicoat (Pittsburgh, 2022-03-26)

#207

i am signing because we need to have discussions about difficult topics on campus - we cannot censor these conversations.

Miriam Buresh (Pittsburgh, 2022-03-26)

#208

Class of 1978

Robert Freund (Pittsburgh, 2022-03-26)

#213

No topic should be off limits in the college environment. My son's return to GCC next year will be greatly influenced by the board's decision on this matter.

Cliff Zerull (ESCONDIDO, 2022-03-27)

#218

Grove City College has a deep need for further conversation and education on race and racial injustice. The recent visceral reaction to racial conversations on campus clearly demonstrates that many don’t want to engage in uncomfortable, challenging, necessary dialogue. It also demonstrates that many have absolutely no understanding of CRT or the extensive foundation for social justice in Scripture. Grove as an institution should resist such reactions and continue to permit and promote speakers, classes, and groups that seek to address America’s history of racism, America’s broken systems, and how we should move forward in love and for justice.

Josh Ledyard (Greensburg, PA, 2022-03-31)

#220

Studying ideas, hearing multiple perspectives on current topics, allowing for respectful debate - these are not indoctrination. They are the essence of a liberal arts education.

Nicholas Petersen (Bowie, MD, 2022-04-10)

#224

Because attention to systemic injustice is biblical. “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights.” Isaiah 10:1-2

Amy Sarkett (Pittsburgh, 2022-04-22)

#225

Grove City went downhill even while I was there, does not keep its students safe, selectively enforces rules according to administrators' preferences, and promotes thinking in terms of race essentialism (i.e. "whiteness"). The board's findings did not cause any turnover in personnel, and as we all know, personnel is policy.

Keep pressuring Grove City to be positively anti-woke (and to keep its standards high) instead of being merely "not liberal."

Samuel Tobias (Fenton, MI, 2022-04-22)

#227

I've been increasingly discouraged by my alma mater's racist outlook. When I intended, there was racism through ignorance and lack of exposure. Now the racism is more purposeful and egregious. The board cannot claim it "doesn't know." It does and is choosing to elevate its own pride over Truth.

Melissa Pratt (St Augustine, 2022-04-22)

#228

I'm signing because only racists dislike Critical Race Theory

Hugo Schmitt (Malvern, PA, 2022-04-22)

#230

It is indeed such a time as this for the Church. I stand with those who do not fear the discomfort of needed conversations and actions. Shutting down discussion out of perceived fear is entering into an unnecessary culture war. Let Jesus lead the way.

Lori West (Saint Louis, 2022-04-23)

#232

Found this via the Christianity Today article - I was aware of the news but unaware of this petition. I suspect a lot of people are in a similar situation and would support this petition if they were aware of it.

I am signing because the GCC committee report appears to make recommendations that could cut off any discussion of the racialized aspects of modern American society at the school. Educators and students should be free to present and investigate the (ample) research and scholarly opinions regarding current, institutional issues that minority groups face, without fear of retribution from the school. We don't all need to agree on the *answers* to these issues, but the board's recommendations seem likely to suppress even the *discussion* of the racialized aspects of our society.

Steve Miller (Boston, 2022-04-26)

#233

I was proud of Grove City for having our brother in Christ, Dr Jemar Tisby, speak. Isn't the body of Christ richer and more informed when we listen to each other? Is it not especially important to listen to brothers and sisters whom come from contexts that are different then are own? Especially from contexts that have undeniably experienced an oppression which our tribe has too often either participated in, or through silence sinned? Should we not wonder how repentance and repair should look -- and seek input from outside ourselves? Whether or not the institution endorses all of Dr Tisby's conclusions, GCC should be proud of having given our brother in the faith a platform to dialogue with the GCC community.

I was proud of GCC for training RA's to think about the ways it might feel to be one of the 16 black students on campus. For promoting empathy and seeking to support and go out of their ways to welcome these students whom are courageously making the GCC community richer.

What is more important for GCC? Seeking to be truly "Christian"?.... or seeking to be viewed as "conservative"?

Michael Murchie (Richmond, VA, 2022-04-26)

#236

I would like the board to rescind its statement. The lack of discussions and awareness around the topic of America’s history with racism and current discussions on the topic does a disservice to the students and will inhibit their ability to interact with and understand those who may be different from them. Please, as someone who has experienced the pain as a result of the lack of others-awareness at GCC (from both students and staff/faculty), I’m asking that the learning and growing in knowledge in areas of racism and diversity continue. It is too important!

Mary Anne De la torre (Fair Lawn, NJ, 2022-04-28)

#237

I'm truly saddened and embarrassed by the report from the board-assigned committee. The report does not reflect the high academic standard for which Grove City is known, but reads (at certain points) more like a Breitbart article. We must do better.

Dave Myers (Concord, CA, 2022-04-28)

#239

Racial injustice in the USA cannot be denied and should be discussed.

Robert Clark (Petaluma,CA, 2022-04-28)

#243

I believe in academic integrity and the need for discussion of race & in equality at GCC

Rachel (Leone) Blacksmith (Ann Arbor, 2022-04-28)

#245

I believe that this decision of GCC is more for political and financial gain than for the betterment and instruction of the students. If GCC continues to believe that differing viewpoints and ideologies cannot be discussed from one unified Christian background I will no longer support them publicly or financially.

Ellen Upton (Iowa City, 2022-04-28)

#246

The way that Grove City College has handled this situation grieves me. Rather than leading the way on how the Christian community should respond to issues around race - with humility and a posture of learning -this committee has treated their brother in Christ, Dr Tisby, with great disrespect. They have also created an environment that is anything but welcoming to minority students. It is clear from the report that they want to spend as little time & money as possible to engage these students. As I sit next to my black friends at my children's school or my black friends at church, I couldn't, in good conscience, recommend my alma mater to their children. And unfortunately, I no longer consider it an option for my children either if this attitude among leadership persists.

Missy Murchie (Henrico, VA, 2022-04-28)

#247

As Christians, I feel we need to be more tolerant and accepting of all, and lift each other up.

Minorities have always been underrepresented at GCC. It’s time GCC listen to those and give them a louder voice.

Peter Doel (Jefferson Hills, 2022-04-28)

#252

I'm signing because it is incredibly important to actually have the conversations about race that the report, in its current form, threatens to squash.

Susannah Mansky (Chicago, 2022-04-29)

#253

I support open discussion

Lindsay Carlson (Res lodge, 2022-04-29)

#265

Social Justice is the most Biblical principal I can think of when examining the life of Christ. To exclude it, is to exclude Christ.

Eric Gentles (Richmond, 2022-04-29)

#267

Please do not inhibit discussions of race and racism on campus and in the classroom. If you do you become part of the problem instead of the solution.

Sarah Clark (Kenosha, 2022-04-29)

#268

Grove City College, when it comes to race and diversity, continues to say what it is against. It says it with passion. It says it with professionalism. It says it and is willing to go to the Supreme Court.

GCC says it is for diversity, equality and freedom for all. GCC says that we are all created in the image of God.

What it does not do is invest and fight for those inequalities of freedom with the same vigor and commitment of resources as have been expended in fighting for what we are not.

If GCC had stood up, there would be less than 94% of the students that are white. There would be more than 1 African American professor. There would be coverage and publicatins espousing how a tiny Christian College was leading the way in racial reconciliation in our country.

I fear the pursuit of being an oasis has limited our calling of being a beacon of Light.

Steve Hall (Monroe, 2022-04-29)

#269

Grove City has always held its students to a high standard. Please do not assume that students are incapable of having reasonable discussions about different ideas, philosophies, and viewpoints; please do not assume that students are not secure enough to engage with those whose perspectives and approaches differ; and please do not insinuate that to discuss and address the problem of racism is antithetical to a biblical worldview.
People are watching the church and those who claim to be Christian. They are watching to see how we defend the marginalized, the oppressed, and those who are crying out for justice. When Christian organizations turn their heads and deny that a problem exists, when they deny the opportunity to hear - and by extension, love - their neighbors, those who are watching are being turned away from Jesus. That is the true mission-drift.

Rev. Nadine (Ciaramella) Roy (Pittsburgh, 2022-04-29)

#281

I am ashamed to admit that I am a graduate. GCC opened and challenged my mind to explore the possibilities as often as certain classes tried - in the mid 80s - to suppress my curiosity. However, there was room for discussions. The indelible statement I remember from senior banquet - "you can graduate saying you made no wrong decision at GCC because we made your decisions for you." I laughed out loud. The speaker was not amused. When I am asked about GCC today, I reply it is the Western PA hub of white, elitist race theory - WERT. For those students, faculty, and staff with a more global view willing to remain, I applaud and pray for you, your well-being, and your resolution. #riseaboveit

Russell Bloom (State College, 2022-04-29)

#282

I am signing because I believe that God loves everyone equally, and I know that we still have racism and equity issues in our country. Educating our young people with integrity requires that we all look at these issues, and issues of our own biases regularly. Catherine Fithian ('86), alum of GCC.

Catherine Fithian (Elk Grove, 2022-04-29)

#287

I feel strongly that college students need to learn about major ideas in the secular world by freely and openly reading and discussing them.

Lisa Keiper (East Greenville, 2022-04-29)

#289

I agree with what the author is communicating.

Rachel Deir (New York, 2022-04-29)

#290

I keep thinking at what point do we trust adults to make their own informed worldviews and live out their faith in the way God has specifically gifted them to do. We are not all eyes or ears, but one united body of believers and each of us has our own gifts and perspectives which God can use to teach, encourage, and even sometimes correct each other. It was my understanding that Grove City college was a place where it was believed God is head of the church not a human governing body. Scripture says that God often called and used those people who were overlooked because of their culture or past experiences to teach others about salvation, grace, unconditional love, and living in humility, submissive to God's will. I hope that those making decisions can overcome the temptation to live as a pharasy always believing you know what's right instead of leaning in to God's Truth and mission for his followers, the call to make disciples for the Kingdom, not clones of ourselves to maintain our peace of mind. I sincerely hope Grove City College can stay a place where freedom of thought is encouraged because God can use and live through anyone who submits to Him and just maybe he wants to use someone you might not like or understand to teach us something, but that's okay because He is God and we are not.

Abby Hanson (Clarendon, 2022-04-29)

#291

Because faith is nothing without the freedom of choice. Without academic freedom, students cannot learn and discover and become better people. I find that the single greatest way to grow and strengthen my faith, is to talk about it, to debate and consider different aspects of it. Let your students decide what they think, and have faith that you’ve taught them to think critically and make their own decisions.

Maggie Roman (Tully, NY, 2022-04-29)

#292

Open discussions of differing theories, worldviews, perspectives, philosophies, and even theologies are necessary for a healthy community of prayerful critical thinkers who wish to take stewarding God's world seriously.

Richard Christman (Rochester, 2022-04-29)

#296

Freedom of speech

Connor Adams (East Hartford, 2022-04-29)

#301

As a kindergarten teacher I can speak to the importance of having race conversations in all grades. Anyone who works in education has the greatest task, to help shape the next generation. It is our job to ensure that we guide children to reflect a world better than the one we had. Part of this is only possible through an honest teaching of past mistakes of man in all ways and instances. In the stories of Pharaoh refusing to let God’s people go or in the failed laws that allowed slavery to be legal in our country. These truths must be talked about, discussed, and agreed wrong if we are to continue to grow in our understanding of Jesus’ message of love of one’s neighbors. For our neighbors are not those that agree with us but rather the person who looks different and thinks differently. While it can make some “uncomfortable”, a feeling I’m sure many African Americans have felt in a variety of situations, that is what makes it all the more important. I wouldn’t say I enjoy teaching about race/racism and our country’s dark history, but I consider it a great privilege to help children view our country not as a perfect place, but as a place that they will help make a “more perfect union”.

Finally, I agree that we need to move on from CRT as the scapegoat for all race conversations. It’s theory is largely misunderstood, either by stupidity or lack of interest in the truth.

This report puts wonderfully why my husband and I have never donated back to our college. We have a great education, made lifelong friends, and have a beautiful life together. But that is not enough to overlook the harsh, judgmental opinions of some at the college.

Jessica Stratton (Blacklick, 2022-04-30)

#302

It is absurd for "Freedom's College" to be doing this. I can't believe Christ would condone such blatant racism.

Elizabeth Heerdt (Columbia, 2022-04-30)

#305

I do not want GCC to inhibit discussions of race and racism on campus and in the classroom.

Joshua Hull (Pittsburgh, 2022-04-30)

#306

The Committee Report’s recommendations will only serve to further insulate GCC students and suppress important discussions about racial injustice.

Emily Marcellus (Pittsburgh, 2022-04-30)

#307

I'm signing because I was confused when CRT first hit the news cycle. To me, CRT is nothing more than history as it happened. To reject the idea of racial injustices existing is simply baffling, especially from such an "academically rigorous" institution. Do better, GCC.

Haydn Niehaus (Pittsburgh, 2022-04-30)

#313

The report issued by the ad hoc committee is disgraceful and honestly goes against the teachings of Christ. The inclusion of every human and diversity of race and culture is a beautiful gift from God and this move by the college will only further segregate when we should be looking to join as ONE body. I am ashamed right now to admit I went there.

Shannon Geary Rabold (New Castle, 2022-04-30)

#314

This report seems to have set out to make a political statement rather than to either uncover or advance any truth.

Connor Cooper (Ocean Pines, 2022-04-30)

#315

I believe in academic freedom and racial justice.

Benjamin Allison (Austin, TX, 2022-04-30)

#317

I'm signing this petition because as someone with a history education degree and as a Christian it is disheartening to see a prominent Christian university fall into the trap laid by people who maliciously describe CRT as something that it is not.

Eric Makowski (Inman, 2022-04-30)

#320

This is not the Grove City I love and spent 4 years telling prospective students they should love too. My education from Grove City is worth more than this and I am sure the board and campus leadership knows that as well.

Susannah Barnes (Arlington, 2022-04-30)

#324

Rejecting conversations and initiatives to become antiracist directly opposes the character and mission of Jesus. The current actions of the college serve to elevate politically driven values over the Gospel. In addition to causing harm to your black and brown students, you are directly influencing people away from seeking a relationship with God. Neither the Bill of Rights itself nor your interpretation of it has anything to do with being a Christ follower—and if the rest of the world can’t tell the difference between you being a Christian and a republican then your witness is completely lost.

Kayla Wheat (Weymouth, 2022-04-30)

#326

We were stunned and sickened by the board committee report. This was not the GCC we thought our young adult would attend next school year. When considering colleges, we watched the recording of the Tisby chapel and saw it as a plus for the college - a sign of good-faith engagement with deeply important issues. Now we’re wondering if we’ll have to walk away from GCC, with incredible regret. This may be a defining moment when GCC decides whom or what it will serve. We’re watching very closely.

Neild Family (New Jersey, 2022-04-30)

#329

I learned to value critical thinking and evidence based arguments in my time at GCC and this report refuses to utilize either. I expected more respect for academia from my alma mater.

Ariana Wood (Pittsburgh, 2022-04-30)

#331

I’m signing because ideas should not be censored on any college campus, particularly at the college I consider my Alma Mater. I cannot, in good conscience, criticize left-leaning institutions of higher learning for stifling conservative viewpoints, and at the same time affirm the conclusions of this Ad Hoc Committee Report. To do so would be hypocrisy.

Julian Anderson (Boston, MA, 2022-04-30)

#332

I whole-heartedly agree with this petition. I do not believe that the committee members have a true understanding of what CRT actually is or what it calls people to. It is especially alarming—for a myriad of reasons— that the committee took a heavy-handed stance against CRT and it’s apparent “followers” without ever reading many of the books/curricula they set out to judge.

I absolutely loved my time at GCC and believe that many of my successes today are because of my experiences there; however, since the publication of these committee findings, I have felt nothing but embarrassment to be an alum.

I will cease from giving any further financial support to GCC so as long as ill-formed reports like this are accepted by decision-makers (and silence, in this case, will inevitably be interpreted by those on and off campus as acceptance). I just cannot justify monetarily backing an institution that condemns CRT and racial justice movements in the name of upholding “Christian perspectives”.

Mary Bitzer (Portland, Oregon, 2022-04-30)

#334

I’m signing because GCC needs to engage these conversations on race and racism not shut them down or heavily scrutinize them just because they challenge their view of the world. Listen to people of color. They are telling us not all is as it seems…

Maren Goodwin (Seattle, 2022-04-30)

#338

I want GCC to be a place where healthy conversations and growth happen on the topic of racial diversity. I believe the committee's report unwisely limits those conversations as if they are a threat to the mission of the College.

Beth Phifer (Edinboro, 2022-04-30)

#339

In my eyes, Grove City has far removed itself from what it actually means to be Christian and strive to be Christ-like. I will be honest. I don't see Grove City changing. I see it run by people who have no interest in doing anything other than what they have always done. The world will leave Grove City behind and it's alumni will flounder outside it's boundaries. Grove City is no longer an institution to be proud of. I stopped being proud of GCC while still attending. I wish GCC had lived up to my wide eyed, in awe of it's beauty, freshman perspective. I never wish to come back to visit. I never wish to tell people where I went to school. I feel ashamed of it's ideals. I feel ashamed of how little love is actually given to those that don't follow the Christian faith. I have no hope for Grove City. But I will sign this petition. I will always voice my disappointment with the direction Grove City has always traveled. I thank God I was able to find true followers of Jesus outside of GCC. Jesus would be flipping over your tables if He were here. You have corrupted everything He stands for. I have no love for GCC. I won't be surprised when the school fails. This is coming from a white, straight, conservative woman who loves Jesus.

Chelsea Sokari (Delaware, 2022-04-30)

#343

I was extremely disappointed by the committee report and felt it was incredibly damaging to future diversification at the college. One of GCC biggest weaknesses is diversity, and condemning discussions on race for fear of CRT rhetoric is not the way to make students feel welcome.

Anastacia Michigan (Haddonfield, 2022-04-30)

#347

I believe the report will hurt students at GCC and their academic journey and the witness of the school and Christianity as a whole.

Abigail Brougher (Grand Rapids, 2022-04-30)

#349

I am signing because I care about my alma mater and want it to change from a college who focuses and panders to its politically conservative views and instead gives way to the love and compassion Jesus has for all his children. I want to see a change in the school and it’s community to be loving and understanding to all no matter of race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. like we are called to do.

Brandon Roman (Tully, 2022-04-30)

#351

I stand against censorship.

Joshua Hood (Richmond, 2022-04-30)

#352

I’m signing because I loved my time and experience at Grove City, but I know not everyone has the same experience. As an English major, we read books that challenged us, that carried different viewpoints than we did, and that dealt with some pretty heavy subjects, such as “Beloved” by Toni Morrison and “The Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison. I felt that my teachers handled those moments with grace and compassion, acknowledging the struggle of and challenges facing Black men and women. They didn’t dismiss anything that made us feel uncomfortable, but rather, allowed us to wrestle with that discomfort and consider how we should respond to racial reconciliation. Discomfort is not something to run from as a Christian. Discomfort is often the Homy Spirit convicting us of something and pushing us towards acting more like Christ. We are called to love others as Christ did, when it’s hard, when it hurts, and when it’s uncomfortable. I’ve listened to Dr. Jemar Tisby’s chapel talk and found it truth-bringing, compelling, and convicting. I am dismayed by the committees report, especially of how it discusses Dr. Tisby. It sound fearful and misguided at best, and at worst, slanderous and misinformed. These words are not the words of Christians who love like Christ. They are the words of men who are gripping to the safety and comfort (for them) of the “bubble” that is Grove City. These are the words of men who are so fearful of differing view points that they wish to silence other voices and other experiences, especially those of Black men and women and other minorities. We must not allow this to happen. Acknowledging the struggle and challenges that minorities face in this country now and in the past is not in contention with the mission of Grove City College. Listening to Black men (and women) speak on how we (as mostly white Christians) can and should support and stand with this oppressed group is not against the mission of Grove City College. Learning about racial reconciliation and social justice on campus does not diverge from the mission of Grove City College. These things align with the mission of Jesus Christ, who chose time and time again to align himself not with the religious leaders of his day, but with those groups who faced struggles and challenges, who were oppressed and judged by many religious people in their day. He sought reconciliation and justice, even social justice. We are called to love other and to follow Christ’s example. I feel this report does not do either of those things and paints Grove City College as a place that doesn’t do them either. I urge the board to reject the committee report and show their commitment to Grove City’s mission and to the mission of Jesus Christ by allowing discussion of race, racism, and reconciliation in the classroom and on campus. Thank you.

Zoee Menhart (Ward) (New Kensington, 2022-04-30)

#353

I am signing because Grove City should always encourage diversity of ideas but the Ad Hoc Committees findings and suggestions would change that. Going to GCC was an intellectual awakening for me where I was exposed to new ideas and encouraged by my professors to debate and critically examine both the ideas I was being taught and also my own view points. The suggestions of this committee would not see Grove City inoculate itself against an infection of CRT but infect itself with the popular partisan talking points of the day and by doing so have a dampening effect on the intellectual freedom that truly makes Grove City a great college.

Nathaniel Bechtel (Berlin, 2022-04-30)

#356

Education should be uninhibited.

Mandee Villa (Wisconsin Dells, 2022-04-30)

#363

It's long time the church discussed the impacts of racism on it's members. Grove City has the chance to lead that reconciliation, body and bravely, against conservative culture, just like Jesus did. I hope they can stop living in fear of CRT hysteria and allow for more programs that encourage and support diversity.

Sara Albinger (Penfield, 2022-04-30)

#365

Please do not diminish the intellectual and emotional capacity of your students to sift through what is hard and weighty. The conversations surrounding race are complicated, but that doesn’t mean students should be excluded or given a one-sided perspective.

Lydia (Smith) Price (Austin, 2022-04-30)

#370

White nationalist Christianity is a sin against gods beloved creation and it needs to stop.

Jonathan Damico (Leland, 2022-04-30)

#371

I am disturbed by the growing divisions at GCC

Laura Woodson (Grove City, 2022-04-30)

#372

An alumni and recognized CRT scholar

Nathan Luis Cartagena, PhD (Wheaton, 2022-04-30)

#373

Stop intermingling your politics with Christianity. Christianity is not an “American” concept, and your politics have no place intermingling with religion. Education, especially a Christian education, cannot be thorough and true without assessing real-world issues. Humans have long struggled due to race, and these struggles were brought on by sinful man. It’s important to ask what Jesus would do.

Erin Mattson (Phoenixville, PA, 2022-04-30)

#377

I have known a professor at GCC for some years now and knowing them has given me more respect for GCC. However, this report disheartens me and the board should seriously reconsider its actions. Thanks.

Deana Holmes (Mesa, 2022-04-30)

#379

My heart is heavy to see this happening at not only my alma mater, but the school 2 of my children are currently attending. Higher education should be far beyond surface level dialog that is swayed by popular political opinions. These are healthy conversations to have, not ones that we should “shield” some of the brightest minds in our country from having. I hope this report will be rejected and somehow healthy conversation can emerge.

Brian Kannel (York, PA, 2022-04-30)

#384

I'm grateful for my educational experience at GCC and my peers who challenged my faith. It has led me to succeed and further my educational career.

I'm not a very outspoken person when it comes to political or societal issues. However, I'm a firm believer that empathy and compassion are key ideas that are foundational in Christianity. Without listening to others' experiences and beliefs, how can we, as Christians, encourage and support people, especially those who we can lead to Christ? We may not always agree with other people's ideas, but without hearing them, how are we supposed to know where they are coming from? While I was a student, I greatly benefitted from hearing others, and it strengthened my own beliefs. How are those who come to Grove City from other countries and backgrounds supposed to feel welcomed with the proposed changes? The college strives to create strong Christian leaders, but if it fails to support some of its own students, how will it continue to effectively do so?

This is the area I found most problematic with the report, and as a recent alumna, I cannot personally find this document a reasonable product of a Christian institution. I understand that Grove City is very conservative, but ultimately it is God and the Bible that should be pillars of Christians and Christian leaders, not a political agenda. This goes for both ends of the spectrum. Please remove the labels of CRT, "wokeness" (where did this even come from?), conservatism, liberalism, etc. and examine these issues from a solely Christian perspective. Thank you!

Deidra Ressler (Wexford, PA, 2022-04-30)

#385

Your fine school need not fear ideas, much less facts about the darker sides of US history.

Steven Baughman (San Raphael, 2022-04-30)

#390

I believe in having educated conversations about race and diversity from a Christian and Biblical perspective. Christ calls us to be salt and light in this world. If we shy away from things that clearly divide the world around us and don’t combat injustice that prevails in so many cultures how are we being light? Grove City College us known for its academic prowess, but has yet to diversify its education and give students the opportunities to be less “in a bubble” and more in the world. When students graduate they cannot be naive to the world around them. Preparing and educating students who have never been exposed to other cultures or racial issues is a service the college should provide.

Amy Fleming (Pflugerville, 2022-04-30)

#391

As an ordained clergyperson I am speaking for the justice that is at the core of our Christian faith. Your choosing partisan rhetoric and lies over our faith call to work for justice is wrong. Apologize, do the right thing and Choose justice.

Rev. Nicolle Grasse (Arlington Heights, 2022-04-30)

#395

A few thoughts.

The terms, “creep” and ‘drift’ were used to describe the movement of the college, but if anything has creeped or drifted, it’s the political landscape. Any movement by the college to reorient itself, would be done so for purely political reasons. The Gospel hasn’t changed, the love God has for the poor, the widowed, the orphaned and the sojourner hasn’t changed.

In the report, the use of terms like “woke” and “CRT/ pop-CRT” pejoratively and misdefined is negligent and lazy, especially in an academic report.

Fear of association. Thank you, Jesus, you did not fear associating yourself with the ‘other’. That you feasted with the “unclean”. Where would I be if you didn’t? And yet, GCC fears being associated with a brother in Christ like Jemar Tisby, who preached the Gospel btw? Or so quickly drops support for professors who speak about justice, often from their own experiences?

When a Christian school/church/ministry begins to look more like the Pharisee and less like the disciple, THAT’S mission drift.

Nathan Burgess (Saint Louis, 2022-04-30)

#396

I have carefully reviewed the report and read the testimony of GCC teachers involved in this controversy. As parent of 1 GCC student & 3 potential future students, I refuse to stand by when unjust biases and unbiblical thinking masked as moral superiority target this vital institution. I recommend a careful postmortem to investigate the origins and biases behind the report.

Mark Fedeli (Bethesda, 2022-04-30)

#397

I wholeheartedly agree with this petition.

Laura Phaladi (York, 2022-04-30)

#398

Discussions and studies of diversity and advocacy are instrumental to the end of racism and related injustices.

Erin Werner (Irwin, 2022-04-30)

#400

I agree with this!!

Elisabeth Walker (Mount Laurel, 2022-04-30)



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