Dr. Tisby, I would like to thank you wholeheartedly for speaking at Grove City. As a white alum (class of 2019), I can speak to the the desperate need for these conversations, particularly given the student body makeup. Thank you for speaking, and thank you for your continued advocacy.
As someone with deep connections there is much to say, and I'm processing how to do that. The starting point would be to note that this Special Committee was made up of exclusively white members. That alone should give significant pause.
Dr. Tisby. I could imagine the phrase "I don't see you as black" being employed there. I am a 1981 graduate of GCC and taught there for 11 yrs in the mid 90's to early 2000's. I have many friends still on the faculty there. I'm hearing reactions from them including a question about how the school will be able to attract students of color at this point. I also know the current president reasonably well since we were contemporaries as undergraduates. I think I could be a bit of ally with a letter to him sharing my concerns. BTW, I am a patron of the Pass the Mic and have read both of your books and am an advocate for the ARC. Keep up the good work. You have had a huge impact on my life! There are a number of us white folk who are changed and seeking to change things!
I was struck by your perception of the response you received from your listeners that day and the reaction of those former students and donors who started the petition. The latter were clearly discipled by those culture warriors who shall not be named here.
And while this observation may not be fair, I couldn’t help but notice the graduation dates listed for the members of the “special committee.” (Does the fact that I’m their contemporary give me some leeway to point out that they’re all old?) It seems as if the outcome of the investigation was thoroughly predetermined.
My point is that you hit the nail on the head with this paragraph:
“This entire report represents an extended attempt at conservative virtue-signaling. They are reassuring their donors and constituents that they still subscribe to conservative politics and an exclusivist interpretation of the Bible and race.”
The biggest obstacle preventing historically Christian colleges from leaving fundamentalism for a more Christian Christianity may well be fear of aging alumni and their donations.
I would hate to be responsible for educating new generations of believers in that environment.
Hi, Dr. Tisby - My name is Elijah Duckworth and I am a current freshman at Grove City College. I am transferring to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill next semester. My transfer decision includes a multiplicity of factors, and some include the issues you highlighted. I have not publicly voiced my opinion of this controversy yet because speaking against the crowd often comes with consequences. But I want you to know: I stand with you.
Wow. I imagine it must have taken quite a bit of nerve and faith to decide to transfer. All the best to you in your transition and thank you for the support!
I am a graduate from 1994 and I'm not at all surprised by the response. I am so sorry you had to endure such treatment for speaking truth. This grad supports you (as do my husband, and my best friend, also GCC graduates). That baseless, misguided petition does not speak for all of us. Keep doing the good work God has given you to do. You are in our prayers
As a parent of an alum I am so deeply troubled by this. My daughter, who graduated in 2015, received an excellent education in a STEM field from GCC. We have supported the college since that time because of the amazing scholarship she received. That support ends now, and I'll direct any funds they would have received to you. I'll be writing to GCC to inform them of my disappointment and decision to withdraw support.
Please continue to use your voice and speak truth to the darkness. I have been changed and believe that others can too.
Since much of this is almost certainly motivated by the fear of their legacy donors, voting with your pocketbook may be the only way to get their attention. They at least need to know that there’s more than one off switch on the money tap.
Wow. Both unexpected and not unexpected. Thank you for your response. I continue to pray for your work and have been both blessed and challenged by it.
Yep. That's what preaching is. Proclaiming the message concisely and powerfully, and then letting God do the work to bring awareness and repentance.
I imagine it is hard to have your words ignored and instead have your character attacked. It probably is not possible to be someone who loves truth so much that they speak it even when it brings rejection and hostility and abuse, and not feel the pain of being so deliberately misunderstood.
But all I know is this: speaking the truth in love is how God uses us to bring salvation to the world. There's no guarantee that it happens because men and women are hardened into cynicism and rejection, and are trapped by fear and intolerance. Yet we have this message of hope of the only one who can bring change.
The church *can* be the agents of repentance and restoration. May we listen intently to our preachers and prophets and elders, and may we be moved by the Holy Spirit to bring love and hope and healing to a world so terribly, terribly wounded by the actions of broken people.
You give us the inspiration to continue to spread the truth to not only our circle of influence but also support out brother & sisters.
Will read the attached articles as well,truly sorry you have been cast this way, your books & Pass the Mic podcast are very informative & inspirational!
I am shocked - shocked! - that the committee was composed of people who all look just like me. Thank you for standing for the truth and for encouraging believers to work to fight racism.
I am a GCC alum and parent of a Junior at GCC, and I am greatly disappointed by this response from the school. I hope for a better future, but they will never attract a diverse student body if the Board continues to fail in the support of professors with integrity rather than acceding to the whims of far-right wing activist parents and donors. I only know one member of the committee, and enjoyed the classes he taught when I was there. He prayed for us before every test, something I remember quite clearly from many years ago and appreciated.
You have been mistreated by this committee at GCC. Your article is insightful. The committee’s report, like the Save GCC from CRT petition, turns the narrative upside down.
For example, the committee wrote, “CRT uncharitably detects aggression where none is intended, breeds resentment, and stokes recrimination. It impedes genuine repentance and forgiveness. So it corrodes the loving, unified, “close-knit family environment” that GCC seeks to encourage on its residential campus.”
In your book The Color of Compromise, you wrote “the goal of this book is not guilt. The purpose of tracing Christian complicity with racism is not to show white believers how bad they are.” You said, “skin color is simply a physical trait. It is a feature that has no bearing on one’s intrinsic dignity.” You wrote, “white complicity with racism isn’t a matter of melanin, it’s a matter of power.” Your points in this book about Black Lives Matter and countless other things are also absolutely true.
The committee at GCC is supporting views held by the parents of a terrible petition. A petition that abandons logic when discerning the only real systemic racism is within CRT itself and through the educational institutions that are teaching CRT and falsely accusing white people. They uncharitably ignore actual racism and systemic injustice.
It is immensely uncharitable and prideful for GCC to hold a view that only political conservatives are capable of making biblical applications in chapel that are worthy of the school.
Your chapel presentation at GCC in October 2020 was cited in both the first and second Petition by the anti-CRT parents. The Petition accused it of false teaching, and gave the impression biblical text may not have even been incorporated into the message presented at chapel. You mentioned the biblical text from which you spoke in your insightful article about GCC. I will echo you in saying that anyone who has listened to the Livestream recording of this chapel presentation knows your message was grounded with a passage from the book of Esther. The fierce urgency of now to not remain silent for such a time as this. I believe some of your key points were “Mordecai identified with the people”, and “Esther took Mordecai at his word.” It was a good message with practical application to not be passive or silent about the racial tension we were all witnessing in 2020. You pointed out that if Esther did not act then deliverance will rise from another place. It is an urging to act in obedience to God’s calling for us to love our neighbors and to mourn with those who mourn. It was biblical.
Perhaps what you said is in conflict with a type of religion commonly called Christian Nationalism, but that is not gospel truth. There are many wonderful things about America, and it can be a shining example to the world at certain times. But it is no utopia and should not be idealized. Your books accurately highlight the many sins of American history, in which Christians have not been innocent. The image of America as a shining city on a hill goes too far. Jesus was telling his true followers what they should be, “a city set on a hill” (Matthew 5:14), which derives from identity in Jesus. We are not that city without Jesus. One gospel is oriented around Jesus, but Christian Nationalism serves two masters and is oriented around politics. Our only means of salvation is through Jesus. There is no Christian unity without Jesus. Unity will not be found in political identities such as our opinions about CRT, 2nd Amendment rights, size of government, fiscal policy, mask freedoms, or any other political opinion or idea about America. These things are not permanent. The kingdom of heaven is permanent.
I quoted you extensively in a failed attempt to persuade those anti-CRT parents with a response to their petition, sent with the hope of providing a different perspective to the GCC community. (I can’t write like you though!) They unknowingly reject more than you, a brother I am glad to be united with in Christ. I am sorry for all you have been accused of.
I am a current student at Grove city College and I am absolutely heartbroken at the open hypocrisy of our school leaders. I LOVED your chapel— and I know the majority of the school did too. My friends and I have spent countless nights pouring out out frustrations (and tears) over how some people can be so closed minded. Unfortunately my observations have shown me that a handful of students and staff, usually the most vocal, have seemed to replaced Christ with Conservatism. I am embarrassed to have Grove City College on my diploma. For anyone outside of GCC reading this, please know that there are so many people here who are trying to push back. We are signing petitions, organizing prayers/chapels, and showing our support for an education that doesn’t shy away from tough topics like injustice. My friends and I stand with you, Dr. Tisby.
Dr. Tisby, this GCC alum (class of '16) is praying for you as you deal with harsh and (I believe) misguided critics. Your gifts are needed in the church, but I pray you also find respite and strength in Christ and the members of his Body around you. I wish you all the best.
I think ignoring your Footnotes would make my life so much easier. However, I don't think my Christian walk would do as well. I know the perception of CRT is distorted in Christian Communities. CRT has become a political can to kick down the road. But kicked political cans often include bruised brothers and sisters. Opinions of those I love split along skin color lines. White folks see heresy in CRT. Folks of color welcome the perceived critique of CRT against the church. I think my pain derives from a refusal of generosity toward one another.
Ephesians 4 is quite clear. We are members of one another. If I fail to support you in your growth towards Christlikeness, then the body of Christ is at a loss. I will have failed to grow WITH YOU in love. The mandate seems so clear. If we do these things we will be fruitful. But politics enters into the body of Christ like a virus insisting on suspicion rather than love. There is no transformation in love only deforming suspicion.
These suspicions negate our witness and power. I implore us brothers and sisters to not be driven by the winds of politics. The trends are tossed to and fro only to gain power. Instead, let us reach out toward one another considering how we can encourage each to the good works of love and repentance found in our King Jesus.
This is atrocious. It’s the first I’m learning of it, Dr. Tisby, and I am so sorry. I would urge parents of teens to choose secular post-secondary institutions for their children. The bloom is off the rose of American Christian colleges.
Dr. Tisby, I would like to thank you wholeheartedly for speaking at Grove City. As a white alum (class of 2019), I can speak to the the desperate need for these conversations, particularly given the student body makeup. Thank you for speaking, and thank you for your continued advocacy.
I appreciate your kind words. We’ve all got a calling. It’s not always comfortable, is it? :-)
As someone with deep connections there is much to say, and I'm processing how to do that. The starting point would be to note that this Special Committee was made up of exclusively white members. That alone should give significant pause.
It’s like they’re colorblind?!? LOL. But really a very sad kind of insular ideology and reasoning.
Dr. Tisby. I could imagine the phrase "I don't see you as black" being employed there. I am a 1981 graduate of GCC and taught there for 11 yrs in the mid 90's to early 2000's. I have many friends still on the faculty there. I'm hearing reactions from them including a question about how the school will be able to attract students of color at this point. I also know the current president reasonably well since we were contemporaries as undergraduates. I think I could be a bit of ally with a letter to him sharing my concerns. BTW, I am a patron of the Pass the Mic and have read both of your books and am an advocate for the ARC. Keep up the good work. You have had a huge impact on my life! There are a number of us white folk who are changed and seeking to change things!
Thoughtful as always.
I was struck by your perception of the response you received from your listeners that day and the reaction of those former students and donors who started the petition. The latter were clearly discipled by those culture warriors who shall not be named here.
And while this observation may not be fair, I couldn’t help but notice the graduation dates listed for the members of the “special committee.” (Does the fact that I’m their contemporary give me some leeway to point out that they’re all old?) It seems as if the outcome of the investigation was thoroughly predetermined.
My point is that you hit the nail on the head with this paragraph:
“This entire report represents an extended attempt at conservative virtue-signaling. They are reassuring their donors and constituents that they still subscribe to conservative politics and an exclusivist interpretation of the Bible and race.”
The biggest obstacle preventing historically Christian colleges from leaving fundamentalism for a more Christian Christianity may well be fear of aging alumni and their donations.
I would hate to be responsible for educating new generations of believers in that environment.
Fear governs so may if these types of actions. But I read somewhere that “there is no fear in love”…
Hi, Dr. Tisby - My name is Elijah Duckworth and I am a current freshman at Grove City College. I am transferring to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill next semester. My transfer decision includes a multiplicity of factors, and some include the issues you highlighted. I have not publicly voiced my opinion of this controversy yet because speaking against the crowd often comes with consequences. But I want you to know: I stand with you.
Wow. I imagine it must have taken quite a bit of nerve and faith to decide to transfer. All the best to you in your transition and thank you for the support!
I am a graduate from 1994 and I'm not at all surprised by the response. I am so sorry you had to endure such treatment for speaking truth. This grad supports you (as do my husband, and my best friend, also GCC graduates). That baseless, misguided petition does not speak for all of us. Keep doing the good work God has given you to do. You are in our prayers
Wow. Really means a lot coming from an alum. Thank you!
Dear Dr. Tisby,
As a parent of an alum I am so deeply troubled by this. My daughter, who graduated in 2015, received an excellent education in a STEM field from GCC. We have supported the college since that time because of the amazing scholarship she received. That support ends now, and I'll direct any funds they would have received to you. I'll be writing to GCC to inform them of my disappointment and decision to withdraw support.
Please continue to use your voice and speak truth to the darkness. I have been changed and believe that others can too.
Oh wow! Thank you for your candor and your tangible demonstration of support! Grateful!!!
Since much of this is almost certainly motivated by the fear of their legacy donors, voting with your pocketbook may be the only way to get their attention. They at least need to know that there’s more than one off switch on the money tap.
Wow. Both unexpected and not unexpected. Thank you for your response. I continue to pray for your work and have been both blessed and challenged by it.
Thank you for your prayers!!!
Dr. Tisby.
"The fire up in my bones."
Yep. That's what preaching is. Proclaiming the message concisely and powerfully, and then letting God do the work to bring awareness and repentance.
I imagine it is hard to have your words ignored and instead have your character attacked. It probably is not possible to be someone who loves truth so much that they speak it even when it brings rejection and hostility and abuse, and not feel the pain of being so deliberately misunderstood.
But all I know is this: speaking the truth in love is how God uses us to bring salvation to the world. There's no guarantee that it happens because men and women are hardened into cynicism and rejection, and are trapped by fear and intolerance. Yet we have this message of hope of the only one who can bring change.
The church *can* be the agents of repentance and restoration. May we listen intently to our preachers and prophets and elders, and may we be moved by the Holy Spirit to bring love and hope and healing to a world so terribly, terribly wounded by the actions of broken people.
Absolutely agree. Grateful that despite the resistance to these messages, many are listening, learning, and taking action. Grateful for you!
Dr Tisby,
You give us the inspiration to continue to spread the truth to not only our circle of influence but also support out brother & sisters.
Will read the attached articles as well,truly sorry you have been cast this way, your books & Pass the Mic podcast are very informative & inspirational!
Blessings, Chris & Brian
Thanks so much for your close reading and engagement!
I am shocked - shocked! - that the committee was composed of people who all look just like me. Thank you for standing for the truth and for encouraging believers to work to fight racism.
My goal was to bring actions like these to light. I imagined people of good will would be just as upset as I am.
I am a GCC alum and parent of a Junior at GCC, and I am greatly disappointed by this response from the school. I hope for a better future, but they will never attract a diverse student body if the Board continues to fail in the support of professors with integrity rather than acceding to the whims of far-right wing activist parents and donors. I only know one member of the committee, and enjoyed the classes he taught when I was there. He prayed for us before every test, something I remember quite clearly from many years ago and appreciated.
You have been mistreated by this committee at GCC. Your article is insightful. The committee’s report, like the Save GCC from CRT petition, turns the narrative upside down.
For example, the committee wrote, “CRT uncharitably detects aggression where none is intended, breeds resentment, and stokes recrimination. It impedes genuine repentance and forgiveness. So it corrodes the loving, unified, “close-knit family environment” that GCC seeks to encourage on its residential campus.”
In your book The Color of Compromise, you wrote “the goal of this book is not guilt. The purpose of tracing Christian complicity with racism is not to show white believers how bad they are.” You said, “skin color is simply a physical trait. It is a feature that has no bearing on one’s intrinsic dignity.” You wrote, “white complicity with racism isn’t a matter of melanin, it’s a matter of power.” Your points in this book about Black Lives Matter and countless other things are also absolutely true.
The committee at GCC is supporting views held by the parents of a terrible petition. A petition that abandons logic when discerning the only real systemic racism is within CRT itself and through the educational institutions that are teaching CRT and falsely accusing white people. They uncharitably ignore actual racism and systemic injustice.
It is immensely uncharitable and prideful for GCC to hold a view that only political conservatives are capable of making biblical applications in chapel that are worthy of the school.
Your chapel presentation at GCC in October 2020 was cited in both the first and second Petition by the anti-CRT parents. The Petition accused it of false teaching, and gave the impression biblical text may not have even been incorporated into the message presented at chapel. You mentioned the biblical text from which you spoke in your insightful article about GCC. I will echo you in saying that anyone who has listened to the Livestream recording of this chapel presentation knows your message was grounded with a passage from the book of Esther. The fierce urgency of now to not remain silent for such a time as this. I believe some of your key points were “Mordecai identified with the people”, and “Esther took Mordecai at his word.” It was a good message with practical application to not be passive or silent about the racial tension we were all witnessing in 2020. You pointed out that if Esther did not act then deliverance will rise from another place. It is an urging to act in obedience to God’s calling for us to love our neighbors and to mourn with those who mourn. It was biblical.
Perhaps what you said is in conflict with a type of religion commonly called Christian Nationalism, but that is not gospel truth. There are many wonderful things about America, and it can be a shining example to the world at certain times. But it is no utopia and should not be idealized. Your books accurately highlight the many sins of American history, in which Christians have not been innocent. The image of America as a shining city on a hill goes too far. Jesus was telling his true followers what they should be, “a city set on a hill” (Matthew 5:14), which derives from identity in Jesus. We are not that city without Jesus. One gospel is oriented around Jesus, but Christian Nationalism serves two masters and is oriented around politics. Our only means of salvation is through Jesus. There is no Christian unity without Jesus. Unity will not be found in political identities such as our opinions about CRT, 2nd Amendment rights, size of government, fiscal policy, mask freedoms, or any other political opinion or idea about America. These things are not permanent. The kingdom of heaven is permanent.
I quoted you extensively in a failed attempt to persuade those anti-CRT parents with a response to their petition, sent with the hope of providing a different perspective to the GCC community. (I can’t write like you though!) They unknowingly reject more than you, a brother I am glad to be united with in Christ. I am sorry for all you have been accused of.
Dr. Tisby,
I am a current student at Grove city College and I am absolutely heartbroken at the open hypocrisy of our school leaders. I LOVED your chapel— and I know the majority of the school did too. My friends and I have spent countless nights pouring out out frustrations (and tears) over how some people can be so closed minded. Unfortunately my observations have shown me that a handful of students and staff, usually the most vocal, have seemed to replaced Christ with Conservatism. I am embarrassed to have Grove City College on my diploma. For anyone outside of GCC reading this, please know that there are so many people here who are trying to push back. We are signing petitions, organizing prayers/chapels, and showing our support for an education that doesn’t shy away from tough topics like injustice. My friends and I stand with you, Dr. Tisby.
Hi Dr. Tisby,
Thank you for your article and the links you provided. I found the Newsweek article especially helpful for context.
This situation deeply troubles me. I will keep you and the American church in prayer.
Thank you for reading, Laura! And thank you especially for your prayers!
Dr. Tisby, this GCC alum (class of '16) is praying for you as you deal with harsh and (I believe) misguided critics. Your gifts are needed in the church, but I pray you also find respite and strength in Christ and the members of his Body around you. I wish you all the best.
I think ignoring your Footnotes would make my life so much easier. However, I don't think my Christian walk would do as well. I know the perception of CRT is distorted in Christian Communities. CRT has become a political can to kick down the road. But kicked political cans often include bruised brothers and sisters. Opinions of those I love split along skin color lines. White folks see heresy in CRT. Folks of color welcome the perceived critique of CRT against the church. I think my pain derives from a refusal of generosity toward one another.
Ephesians 4 is quite clear. We are members of one another. If I fail to support you in your growth towards Christlikeness, then the body of Christ is at a loss. I will have failed to grow WITH YOU in love. The mandate seems so clear. If we do these things we will be fruitful. But politics enters into the body of Christ like a virus insisting on suspicion rather than love. There is no transformation in love only deforming suspicion.
These suspicions negate our witness and power. I implore us brothers and sisters to not be driven by the winds of politics. The trends are tossed to and fro only to gain power. Instead, let us reach out toward one another considering how we can encourage each to the good works of love and repentance found in our King Jesus.
This is atrocious. It’s the first I’m learning of it, Dr. Tisby, and I am so sorry. I would urge parents of teens to choose secular post-secondary institutions for their children. The bloom is off the rose of American Christian colleges.