The following Truett Seminary students wish to express their deep sadness over the decision not to ask Dr. Rod Hetzel to teach classes at Truett Seminary in the future. Until now, Dr. Hetzel has served Truett Seminary as an adjunct professor (adjunct professors are asked to teach on a class-by-class basis). It is our understanding that many of Truett’s stakeholders have contacted the administration to advocate for their values in the question of Dr. Hetzel’s standing on the question of homosexuality and the church.
We testify that any comments, made in the confines of Dr. Hetzel’s home church, have not colored his teaching or student interactions on the question of homosexuality. We, the students and alumni, are the pre-eminent witnesses to Dr. Hetzel’s classroom and professional conduct; we testify that Dr. Hetzel provides compelling insight, quality content and pastoral care. However, he refrains from employing rhetoric that seeks to persuade or proselytize in his role at Truett.
We, as concerned and engaged students and alumni, also wish to advocate for our values. We value excellent teaching, piercing insight, and quality preparation. Dr. Hetzel possesses all of these qualities to such a high degree that any failure to retain Dr. Hetzel would be a profound loss for our academic and spiritual community. Therefore, we respectfully ask that the Truett administration reconsider their decision regarding Dr. Hetzel’s status as an adjunct professor. Thank you for your consideration.
Updates
May 5, 2016
I honestly did not think this would gain this much steam but look at the screen and see so many names from people who actually sat in his classes and know exactly what his instruction is like. It is just wild to see how many of us have had our lives changed by his teaching because reading all your comments today has made me feel a lot less alone in this struggle.
Reached 100 supporters
May 5, 2016
56 Comments
Dr. Hetzel provided a meaningful and unique perspective in class. I never felt pressured to believe as he believes. His class was one of my most significant at Truett. Future Truett students face a great loss if his teaching is not available to them.
Dr. Hetzel is not only one of the greatest professors I've had, but also one of the greatest people I know. His kind spirit and passion for teaching set him apart from his peers in the best of ways. It would be an absolute shame for Baylor to lose him as he represents in the most genuine way the high academic standards and Christian heart of the university.
If there is concern that Dr Hetzel has not met requirements for his contract to be reviewed please let students & alum know. If it is because of personal beliefs made known outside of Truett that is of concern please explain how that is possible; especially if his beliefs aren't harming people or conflicting with his responsibilities at Truett.
Rod's perspective offers a unique voice. It should be one that is heard and allowed to challenge the Truett community not silenced and seen as a threat.
As a hospice chaplain, Dr. Hetzel's unique insights and experiences have given me a firm foundation for my ministry to those receiving end of life care. I am eternally grateful for his support in my life, as I am for many of my other Truett professors.
Rod Hetzel is an awful, disgusting man. Thank god he is not teaching here anymore! Nobody likes you, and nobody misses you. GOOD RIDDENS!
I am extremely disappointed that Truett would consider not renewing Dr Hetzel's contract. This decision seems short-sighted. This may quickly remedy the complaints of a handful but will undoubtedly compromise the larger goal of educating ministers. Please reconsider your decision as you will no doubt regret the method which brought you to this imprudent decision.
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The following Truett Seminary students wish to express their deep sadness over the decision not to ask Dr. Rod Hetzel to teach classes at Truett Seminary in the future. Until now, Dr. Hetzel has served Truett Seminary as an adjunct professor (adjunct professors are asked to teach on a class-by-class basis). It is our understanding that many of Truett’s stakeholders have contacted the administration to advocate for their values in the question of Dr. Hetzel’s standing on the question of homosexuality and the church.
We testify that any comments, made in the confines of Dr. Hetzel’s home church, have not colored his teaching or student interactions on the question of homosexuality. We, the students and alumni, are the pre-eminent witnesses to Dr. Hetzel’s classroom and professional conduct; we testify that Dr. Hetzel provides compelling insight, quality content and pastoral care. However, he refrains from employing rhetoric that seeks to persuade or proselytize in his role at Truett.
We, as concerned and engaged students and alumni, also wish to advocate for our values. We value excellent teaching, piercing insight, and quality preparation. Dr. Hetzel possesses all of these qualities to such a high degree that any failure to retain Dr. Hetzel would be a profound loss for our academic and spiritual community. Therefore, we respectfully ask that the Truett administration reconsider their decision regarding Dr. Hetzel’s status as an adjunct professor. Thank you for your consideration.
Updates
May 5, 2016
I honestly did not think this would gain this much steam but look at the screen and see so many names from people who actually sat in his classes and know exactly what his instruction is like. It is just wild to see how many of us have had our lives changed by his teaching because reading all your comments today has made me feel a lot less alone in this struggle.
Reached 100 supporters
May 5, 2016
56 Comments
I'm disappointed to hear that Truett students won't learn from this wonderful scholar. I survived my masters program because of the grace and wisdom he shared through his counseling course.
Dr. Hetzel provided a meaningful and unique perspective in class. I never felt pressured to believe as he believes. His class was one of my most significant at Truett. Future Truett students face a great loss if his teaching is not available to them.
Dr. Hetzel is not only one of the greatest professors I've had, but also one of the greatest people I know. His kind spirit and passion for teaching set him apart from his peers in the best of ways. It would be an absolute shame for Baylor to lose him as he represents in the most genuine way the high academic standards and Christian heart of the university.
If there is concern that Dr Hetzel has not met requirements for his contract to be reviewed please let students & alum know. If it is because of personal beliefs made known outside of Truett that is of concern please explain how that is possible; especially if his beliefs aren't harming people or conflicting with his responsibilities at Truett.
Rod's perspective offers a unique voice. It should be one that is heard and allowed to challenge the Truett community not silenced and seen as a threat.
As a hospice chaplain, Dr. Hetzel's unique insights and experiences have given me a firm foundation for my ministry to those receiving end of life care. I am eternally grateful for his support in my life, as I am for many of my other Truett professors.
Rod Hetzel is an awful, disgusting man. Thank god he is not teaching here anymore! Nobody likes you, and nobody misses you. GOOD RIDDENS!
I am extremely disappointed that Truett would consider not renewing Dr Hetzel's contract. This decision seems short-sighted. This may quickly remedy the complaints of a handful but will undoubtedly compromise the larger goal of educating ministers. Please reconsider your decision as you will no doubt regret the method which brought you to this imprudent decision.
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I'm disappointed to hear that Truett students won't learn from this wonderful scholar. I survived my masters program because of the grace and wisdom he shared through his counseling course.