Board of Trustees Addresses Curriculum Proposal

La Sierra University's Board of Trustees took two actions during an October 11, 2011, meeting. Both actions relate to a currently circulating document titled "Joint Proposal of individual La Sierra University Faculty and Trustees."

Affirmation of document approach

The La Sierra University Board of Trustees has been addressing the issues surrounding the teaching of origins and has emphasized a balanced approach that encompasses the Church's belief of origins as well as a presenting a rigorous scientific curriculum.

The conceptual framework outlined in the "Joint Proposal" is not inconsistent with faculty efforts, but failed to recognize normal and established governance protocols. The Board of Trustees affirms the working document, prematurely published as the "Joint Proposal" in the Adventist Review, and encourages the La Sierra faculty to integrate it into the work of the Task Force on Seventh-day Adventist Beliefs and Values that is proceeding through the standard university curriculum processes.

The board will continue to attend to this matter.

Concern over document distribution

The La Sierra University Board of Trustees expressed its concern to the officers of the North American Division over the precipitous action taken to publicize the "Joint Proposal" without adequate prior consultation with the La Sierra University administration and board, especially in light of the ongoing discussions with Adventist Accrediting Association and Western Association of Schools and Colleges over issues of university governance and institutional autonomy.