"When enrollment begins to decline, it will be a direct result of actions such as this."

Dear Dr. Taylor,

I am an alumna of Samford University. I am writing to you to express my shock, sadness and complete disbelief for actions recently taken under your purview regarding the sudden exclusion of several mainstream Protestant church denominations, including the PCUSA and the Episcopal Church because they are LGBTQ affirming. Please note that I heard about this decision from several well known news publications, including Inside Higher Ed and AL.com.

I graduated magna cum laude in 2012, double majored in International Relations and German and received a Fulbright Scholarship to Germany. I completed further studies at American University for a MA in International Affairs. Since moving to DC 8 years ago, I have met with, guided and advised Samford students interested in a career in International Relations. Recently, my recommendation helped secure a recent Samford grad with a position at my organization. I credit much of my success and achievements to my undergraduate education.

I fear the Samford of 10 years ago is not the Samford of today. I can no longer in good conscience recommend my alma mater. The value of my degree is degrading as Samford moves in the direction of Liberty University.

Excluding LGBTQ affirming churches from participating on campus is not a decision made with an eye towards the future. According to a recent Gallup poll, 70% of Americans support same-sex marriage. Furthermore, a recent Pew Research study revealed that by 2070 Christians will make up less than half and as little as a third of the U.S. population. According to that same research study, one third of Christians disaffiliate before turning 30. I am in that population of people. My decision to disaffiliate was a direct reaction to alarming trends in the Christian church, including homophobia, racism, and misogyny all concocted into a truly terrifying blend of right wing reactionary politics. Many of my generation, and those coming after me, will agree and they will not attend your institution. When enrollment begins to decline, it will be a direct result of actions such as this. College is a time to explore new ideas and new experiences and to learn to think critically. This decision is not fostering that environment. The “Samford bubble” will become an echo chamber where free thinkers are treated with open hostility.

Please reverse this decision. Many students and faculty who attend these churches are feeling hurt and unwelcome. If you will continue to exclude certain churches to the detriment of your LGBTQ students, then be clear about where Samford stands. LGBTQ students deserve to find a place where they are loved and accepted for who they are. It appears that place is no longer Samford University.

Best regards,
Samantha Mcfarland (2012)