×ÔοÊÓƵ

Resolution in Support of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

April 24, 2025

Presented for Affirmation by the ×ÔοÊÓƵ Board of Trustees

WHEREAS, ×ÔοÊÓƵ affirms its unwavering commitment to scholarship, justice, and practice-and to the full flourishing of all creation-as central to its mission of educating and inspiring people who are leaders in the academy, the church, and public life;

WHEREAS, our community is enriched by the diverse gifts, perspectives, and experiences of students, faculty, staff, alumni/ae, and partners representing a wide range of races, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, denominations, abilities, genders, sexualities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and life journeys;

WHEREAS, we acknowledge that historic and systemic inequities have marginalized and excluded many individuals and communities from full participation and holistic belonging in theological education and religious leadership;

WHEREAS, we name and reckon with the complex and complicated history of ×ÔοÊÓƵ;

WHEREAS, ×ÔοÊÓƵ admitted students of any gender as early as 1914;

WHEREAS, ×ÔοÊÓƵ integrated with the admission of John Claiborne and Vada Phillips Felder in 1952, two years prior to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education (1954) decision;

WHEREAS, Vada Phillips Felder became the first Black graduate of Texas Christian University, earning a Master of Religious Education from ×ÔοÊÓƵ in 1954;

WHEREAS, ×ÔοÊÓƵ has long welcomed the contributions of LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff, and has maintained an inclusive housing policy since the opening of Leibrock Village in 2001;

WHEREAS, Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are under increasing threat, facing forms of erasure and ideological resistance;

WHEREAS, we affirm that the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility reflect the glory of God and are integral to the gospel's fundamental call to love-not just some, but all people;

WHEREAS, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the denomination of which we are a part, has from its inception taught that God's table is open to all;

WHEREAS, we affirm the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, President of ×ÔοÊÓƵ, and his commitment to act with prophetic conviction, pastoral compassion, and courageous integrity on behalf of the institution;

WHEREAS, we honor the enduring wisdom of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who declared, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice;"

WHEREAS, ×ÔοÊÓƵ aspires to embody inclusive excellence across its curriculum, policies, pedagogy, institutional practices, and communal and spiritual life;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of ×ÔοÊÓƵ affirms and commits to upholding the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as foundational to our shared mission and work;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board endorses the development and ongoing evaluation of institutional goals, strategies, and accountability measures that promote these values, including but not limited to:

·         Recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff, and student body;

·         Ensuring equitable access to resources, opportunities, and support systems;

·         Promoting inclusive curricula and learning environments;

·         Addressing physical, technological, social, and systemic barriers to full participation; and

·         Fostering a culture of dignity, belonging, and mutual respect across the community;

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this affirmation shall guide the policies and practices of ×ÔοÊÓƵ, and that the Board of Trustees shall receive regular updates on institutional progress toward these commitments.

Adopted this 24th day of April 2025 by the ×ÔοÊÓƵ Board of Trustees.