President Linda Livingstone concluded:
Baylor remains deeply committed to its unique role as a Christian research university—one that encourages rigorous inquiry and thoughtful exploration of complex issues. We will continue to support our faculty and researchers in pursuing meaningful scholarship, while ensuring that such work aligns with our institutional processes. I hope this communication provides clarity into what has been a difficult week for many within the Baylor Family.
Foundation Responds to Grant Being Returned
The Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation, which has provided Baylor with previous financial gifts, said it was “deeply saddened” by the university’s decision. Rescinding the grant “disserves Baylor students, faculty, and the broader Christian community,” it added.
In a statement, the foundation wrote:
This was an opportunity to answer the Christian call to care for the marginalized by creating resources and providing important research for faith communities. Our hearts break for the professors, research fellows, and, especially, the students who will receive this message from Baylor, loud and clear. We hope this moment will be a catalyst for reflection and will inspire other institutions to take up the important work that Baylor has abandoned.
According to Baylor, the dean of the school of social work and the main researcher “voluntarily offered” to return the grant money. President Livingstone said she and the school’s provost “support this decision and agree this is the appropriate course of action and in the best interests of Baylor University.”
