Just days after Louisiana College trustees adopted a resolution concerning
the selection of classroom textbooks and materials, faculty at the school approved
a statement, pledging to continue “a long tradition of providing a quality
Christian liberal arts education.”
Just days after Louisiana College trustees adopted a resolution concerning
the selection of classroom textbooks and materials, faculty at the school approved
a statement, pledging to continue “a long tradition of providing a quality
Christian liberal arts education.”
The statement was approved 59-2 during a monthly faculty meeting on April 30.
It emphasizes that Louisiana College faculty understand the Christian nature
of the school. It also maintains the faculty have “consistently chosen
texts and materials that are discipline-appropriate and have presented that
material in a way that is in agreement with, and not contrary to, the principles
of the Christian faith of the college.”
It then calls for faculty to be included in the creation and adoption of new
policy at the school in order to maintain accreditation and avoid confusion
and conflict.
The faculty statement comes less than two weeks after trustees of the Louisiana
Baptist school adopted a resolution explaining a December action to change the
process for selection of classroom materials.
In December 2003, Louisiana College trustees approved a policy that all classroom
materials must be approved both by department coordinators or chairs and the
vice president of academic affairs. Prior to that change, faculty members had
control over what materials were used in courses.
The change has sparked criticism from some, who have complained the action
was inappropriate and represents a violation of academic freedom.
Last month, trustees revisited the issue, approving a resolution that lays
the groundwork for why they made the change. The statement cites existing policy
and documents to show trustees were acting in their authority. The statement
also offers clear calls for faculty members to follow the stated policy or face
the consequences. (See April 29 article at www.baptistmessage.com)
School faculty met just 11 days later to respond to the trustee resolution
with a statement of their own.
In full, the faculty resolution reads:
“Whereas, the board of trustees of Louisiana College has expressed concern
about the choice and content of texts and materials used in the classrooms of
Louisiana College, and
“Whereas, in its April 19, 2004, meeting, the board of trustees issued
a resolution reminding the faculty of its obligation to follow and adhere to
the identity and mission of Louisiana College, the faith statement of Louisiana
College and the Faculty Handbook of Louisiana College,
“Therefore, be it known that the faculty of Louisiana College understand
the board of trustees obligation to the Louisiana Baptist Convention to
ensure that Louisiana College fulfill and uphold its Christian heritage and
Baptist roots, and
“Be it further known that the faculty of Louisiana College fully understand
the Christian nature of Louisiana College and its Baptist roots and have willingly
chosen to teach at Louisiana College because of this Christian foundation, and
“Be it further known that the faculty of Louisiana College have consistently
chosen texts and materials that are discipline-appropriate and have presented
that material in a way that is in agreement with, and not contrary to, the principles
of the Christian faith of the college and that the faculty are compelled by
their Christian faith to pursue academic excellence in fulfilling the mission
of the college,
“Therefore, be it resolved that the faculty be included in the creation
and adoption of new policy so as not to jeopardize the accreditation of Louisiana
College and so that confusion and/or conflict from unilateral effort can
be avoided (Faculty Handbook 1.3), and
“Be it further resolved that the faculty will continue to offer an
educational program grounded in the liberal arts tradition, informed by the
Christian faith and committed to academic excellence, (Mission Statement)
thus preserving the accreditation of the college and continuing a long tradition
of providing a quality Christian liberal arts education at Louisiana College.”