One Step Forward, Three Steps Back
This week Baylor rescinded its acceptance of a $643,000 grant that would fund research on the inclusion of women and LGBTQIA+ individuals within the church. The University announced its acceptance of the grant in late June.
NBC’s article on the return of the grant includes a statement from the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation–the awarding entity–stating, “This was an opportunity to answer the Christian call to care for the marginalized by creating resources and providing important research for faith communities.”
President Linda Livingstone’s statement addressing the grant’s cancelation declares the University’s commitment “to providing a loving and caring community for all – including our LGBTQIA+ students,” and to upholding the principle of academic freedom. The statement also upholds Baylor’s Statement on Human Sexuality: “We affirm the biblical understanding of human sexuality as a gift from God, expressed through purity in singleness and fidelity in marriage between a man and a woman.”
The announcement comes at a time when Livingstone was traveling in Australia and New Zealand to attend the Baptist World Congress alongside representatives of Truett Seminary, the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and the Baptist World Alliance–three factions of Baptists that have yet to affirm LGBTQ inclusion, according to Baptist News Global’s article.
Baylor Lends a Helping Paw
Fourth of July is time spent celebrating the country’s independence, whether that be with friends, family, or you’re taking a beach vacation, etc. That week that was meant to be filled with happy memories was struck with tragedy during the floods in the Texas Hill Country. In response, Baylor initiated a drive for incoming freshmen to participate in during their Line Camp session through BearAid Disaster Relief.
Students packed kits including essential supplies for the people impacted by the flooding. Each kit is valued at $75. The kit-packing events will continue into next week, followed by a prayer service.
He’s a Runner, He’s a Baylor Track Star
Who would win in a race, a cheetah or Nathaniel Ezekiel? Baylor track and field’s Nathaniel Ezekiel ended his senior season with multiple awards: NCAA Indoor Runner-Up in the 400mm, Outdoor Athlete of the Year, etc. He only continues to make history in the program, as it was announced earlier this week by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association that Ezekiel is a finalist for The Bowerman–the highest accolade given to the best student-athlete of the year. Ezekiel is the first Bear to be a finalist and receive this prestigious award.
Dean-amic Decisions
Baylor’s Graduate School and Hankamer School of Business have announced their new deans following the retirement of the Graduate’s School Dean Larry Lyon and the hiring of Hankamer School of Business Dean Sandeep Mazumder as president of Berry College.
Baylor Graduate School’s new dean is Dr. Michael E. Young, a computer scientist working for the Army Corps of Engineers and also has research interests in AI. The Hankamer School of Business’ new dean in Dr. David M. Szymanski, who has previously served as the president of of the University of North Florida and as the dean of the University of Cincinnati’s Lindner College of Business.
Two Words, Four Syllables
If you guessed basketball school, you were right! VJ Edgcombe was the overall No. 3 as a new guard for the 76ers’. Baylor is nothing short of one player in the NBA. Last season, star player Ja’Kobe Walter No. 19 pick for the Raptors and Yves Missi sat at No. 21 overall by the New Orleans Pelicans. Missi had the most notable rookie season with an average of 9.1 points and 8.2 rebounds. Two more stars that came out of Baylor, Keyontae George and Jeremy Sochan have made names for themselves – one thing about Sochan is he will never not have colorful hair.
