"I learned that Samford prides itself on maintaining this crisp, near perfect exterior; however, internally, you will find some of the most wicked and divisive practices."

President Taylor,

When I arrived at Samford, I was bright eyed and bushy tailed. I thought the world was mine to seize, and Samford would equip me to accomplish all God has for me. I quickly learned the “Samford Bubble” they kept mentioning during my orientation and my connections weekend, wasn’t just a phrase tossed around but almost something that was instilled in the Samford Student.

I learned that you are almost looked down upon if you associate with people not like you. I learned as soon as you step foot off of Samford’s campus, you may be entering into the pits of hell. I learned from an RA that there would be tiers of inclusivity on my 2nd floor dorm room in Smith Hall. I learned that if you want to start a Bible study on Samford’s campus, then you MUST get approval from the Campus Minister to make sure you aren’t influencing those around you, negatively.

Ultimately, I learned that Samford prides itself on maintaining this crisp, near perfect exterior; however, internally, you will find some of the most wicked and divisive practices.

As a heterosexual student and one that ultimately found their spouse at Samford, my wife and I are appalled by the current news around the university that we once called our alma mater. We are embarrassed to be associated with Samford and recently have taken down our diplomas from areas of display.

I would also like to make a call to Betsy Holloway, Vice President for Advancement and Marketing. Dr. Holloway has failed to guide and lead the proper forms of communication and marketing for this university. Or perhaps she has done a great job because many lambs (students) have been led to the slaughter that is Samford University.

Dr. Holloway has failed to address the racial divisiveness on campus. Dr. Holloway has done a despicable job to handle crisis communications. Dr. Holloway is a coward and is hiding. Perhaps that is under your leadership.

Why is your administration hiding when we all want answers?

I have the privilege to work for a company that values DE&I and I currently serve on the board of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion council of this organization. When I was asked during our initial meetings if I thought Samford would ever be inclusive, I sadly had to confess, I did not believe Samford would ever be a place where conversations were led with love, where all were welcomed, or ultimately, a place where students of different ethnicities or in the LGBTQ+ community would be seen.

President Taylor, I urge you to prove me wrong. I petition you to take a stand and realize that you are leading this university in a direction that is wrong and shameful.

Sincerely,

Cameron, Samford University Class of 2012