A Statement on Events at Southern Adventist University

We are saddened because the expressions of contempt and anger exhibited by some individuals at that university were hurtful to members and guests of the university community. We are saddened because the views expressed by some on social media do not represent the beliefs and values inherent in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are saddened because we recognize that racism is both harmful and persistent.

We are not shocked, however, because we understand that Christian universities, like the churches that they represent, are not collections of perfect individuals. Instead, Christian universities are places where people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and attitudes are willing participants in the endeavor to increase their understanding, critically evaluate and enhance their beliefs and values, and learn with and from each other.

La Sierra University stands in solidarity with Southern Adventist University as we pledge to renew, refine, and reinvigorate our efforts against racism. We do not aim to cause racist attitudes and speech to go underground where they can fester and cause some to become even more resentful and fearful. We pledge to use our humanities, social science, and religion courses; our co-curricular programs; and other avenues available to us to help our learning community to realize the injuriousness and unfairness of racism. Even more importantly, we need to deeply understand that all of us are God’s own children and, thus, are in truth, brothers and sisters.

We call on all other Seventh-day Adventist educational institutions, kindergarten through graduate school, to join us as we stand by Southern Adventist University and renew our efforts to contribute to the mission of our Seventh-day Adventist church to embody the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives and in our communities.

Randal Wisbey, President

Steve Pawluk, Provost

La Sierra University