Expressing concern that federal and state actions could ultimately deny them the ability to fulfill their faith-based missions, seven evangelical Christian college presidents, including the leaders of the South Carolina Baptist Convention’s three affiliated universities, penned an open letter to the people of the state to raise awareness and call for vigilance in the protection of religious institutions.
Addressed to Governor Nikki Haley as representative of the state and its people, the letter also asked her to “stand against any attempt … to infringe on religious freedom, and … to use [her] platform as governor to promote religious freedom.”
The letter cited California Bill S.1146. As originally introduced, the bill would deny college students the ability to participate in state grant programs if institutions were found in violation of state gender identity policies.
The college leaders also warned of the impact of regulatory mandates on churches and educational institutions that could force students to share bathrooms with members of the opposite biological sex, which would violate the privacy of students who may object on the basis of their religious values.
Signers to the letter included the presidents of Anderson University, Charleston Southern University, North Greenville University, Bob Jones University, Columbia International University, Erskine College and Seminary, and Southern Wesleyan University.
Gov. Haley issued a statement saying South Carolina “has a proud tradition of upholding religious freedom” and that she looks forward to working with the schools “to make sure we continue to honor that tradition.”
The letter from the presidents can be viewed at https://goo.gl/54oFW7.