Open Letter to G-ETS Board of Trustees

As Vice President of the Student Association at Texas Wesleyan College in Ft.Worth, TX in 1966-67 we struggled integrating the first black students. At that time TWC was an all white school in the middle of a black neighborhood. The challenge was motivating our fellow students to stand up and be counted as we are one in God’s sight. The issues at Garrett appear to be an extension of the same basic struggle over half century later. Our moral leaders should practice what they preach....leaving no shadow of doubt about where they stand.

Alumni here. I totally understand and agree with the anger and frustration. But I am little curious about why the hashtag is #GarrettSoWhiteToo? The finalist who was "terminated" was black? And the second in line was white? It kinds of makes the whole point little confusing. As I read the letter and the other letters, I agree with the anger and frustration of students toward the process not being transparent and inclusive of others. But the hashtag makes it sounds like more of a racial issue. Or is it trying to address both issues?

Given what has now occurred, you must begin a new search, period..

To be terminated by anonymity is appalling

Class of 1969

I am disappointed in the actions of the board and the search committee. An institution that prides itself on helping shape and encourages leaders should not be surprised by the steps the current student body is taking. It's one thing to employ and teach people of color; it's another to have them in positions of power. Garrett must continue to grow and learn from its mistakes.

I am so frustrated by this, but Garrett students and staff give me hope!

Please be fair in your decision and operate out of the best qualified candidate and not dismiss based on the color of their skin.

Lay Servant in Rio Texas AC

The process of any search—especially for a president—must be trustworthy. Otherwise, whoever is elected is—fairly or not—tainted right from the start. I agree with the questioning of this process, for the immediate resignation of the three named trustees, and for the restart of the search using an outside, objective search firm.

Garrett PhD Student

MAPM

I ways planning to apply to take classes at Garrett. This really gives me pause.

As a graduate of Garrett-Evangelical, I am disappointed to hear of this authoritarian decision and harmful lack of transparency. I thank the current students for standing up for justice.

We demand transparency, non-discrimination, responsibility and accountability. PhD, Christian Social Ethics and former UMC Clergy

Pastoral Intern at Deer Park United Methodist Church (Texas Annual Conference) Certified Candidate in the Arkansas Conference of the UMC

SPS student

As a white Orthodox Christian clergyman committed to confronting and resisting racism wherever I can, I thank the students of Garrett Theological for bringing this to the attention of the wider Christian community and I stand with all who oppose this unjust and discriminatory hiring situation

Justice must be pursued!

I’m a United Methodist college student and lay leader. I am fed up with the persistent White supremacy, solidarity, and silence in this church and therefore disgusted with Garrett, a seminary with close ties to my Dakotas Annual Conference.