A SAMFORD UNIVERSITY UPDATE
Our day at Samford University began with an introductory panel, where
we were asked questions by students, and students asked questions of
faculty and administration. Each rider was assigned a student host
who toured us around the beautiful campus. Prior to the arrival of
all 26 riders, a group of 4 riders told their stories to a sociology
class focusing on human rights and racial issues. We were welcomed by
both students and faculty and enjoyed a full day of dialogue and
discussion. After having lunch with Samford students a group of
riders gave a presentation on human rights for the law school, while
another group participated in a presentation about spiritual violence
with the campus ministry. As the day ended, we all came together for
a wonderful prayer service where riders and students alike joined
together in a closing prayer.
Since our day at Samford University further contact with students has
shown that an LGBTQA group is in the process of forming. The students
we spoke with saw a need for a safe space for their LGBTQ peers, and
through conversation and dialogue with riders, figured out a way to
begin a group, even if it is not sanctioned by the school. Another
amazing happening since our visit is a large student push for a change
in the anti-gay policy in their student handbook, as well as the
addition of sexual orientation and gender identity into their
anti-discrimination policy.
We are in continued contact with students on campus, and hopefully we
will see a safer campus for Samford’s LGBTQ students.
Equality Ride @ Samford University
The Equality Ride, an orgainzation of Soulforce will be coming onto the Samford University campus on Friday, March 30th.
They are welcoming us on, and are looking forward to a day of discussions and presentations, just as we are looking forward to spending the day with the students and faculty of this university.
Below you will find a list of events for that day, all events which are taking place on Samford’s property is only open to those people with samford student/faculty id cards, but there are a few community events which are open to all!!!!!
10:00am
Equality Riders arrive on campus (in front of the wright center)
10:30am
Opening conversations (at brock forum): key leaders, students, welcoming remarks by Brad Creed, introductions by myself (Casey Chandler-Alexander), commentary by Jarrett Lucas and Katie Higgins (Equality Ride co-directors), open discussion
12:00pm
Lunch with student hosts and all interested student/faculty participants (at the flag colonnade)
1:30pm
Equality Riders speak with the Samford Law School (law school–room to be announced)
1:30pm
Equality Riders speak with the Samford Campus Ministry (brooks auditorium)
3:00pm
Prayer Service (Reid Chapel)
3:30pm
Equality Riders say “Goodbye”
::::::::::::Community Events::::::::::::
Thursday March 29th @ 6:30 pm – Dinner with the Equality Riders & presentation hosted by The Unitarian Universalist Church and Metropolitan Community Church
open to everyone!!!!
Unitarian Universalist Church: 4300 Hampton Heights Drive, Birmingham 35209 (Homewood area).
Friday March 30th @ 4:00 pm – Discussion with Samford Seminary Students (off campus somewhere to be announced)
Friday March 30th @ 6:30 pm – Dinner at McAllister’s (facebook add)
open to everyone!!!!
If you have any questions regarding the Equality Ride visit to Samford University please contact me
Casey: 516.732.0224
or reply to this email: casey.chandleralexander@gmail.com