Over 800 Wheaton College alumni have signed a letter demanding the reinstatement of Dr. Larycia Hawkins, a tenured professor who was suspended for claiming that Muslims and Christians worship the same God. The alumni have threatened further financial support of the institution if Hawkins is not reinstated.
The Christian Post reports the letter was sent by 2014 graduate Clara Kent, but was signed by alumni of all ages, up to those who graduated in the 1950s.
The letter said, "We, the undersigned, respectfully request that all termination proceedings against Hawkins cease immediately, that she be fully reinstated as a tenured associate professor of Political Science, and for administration to issue a public acknowledgement for the grave institutional missteps that have irreparably damaged Hawkins' reputation within the academy and credibility among Evangelical Christians. Until full restoration and reconciliation are reached, each of us will prayerfully re-consider our commitment to financially support the mission of Wheaton College."
The alumni also claim that Wheaton College has not acted in accordance with its faculty handbook by placing Hawkins on administrative leave.
The letter concludes, "It is our sincere hope that administration will act with humility and contrition and show the world a better path, by inaugurating intentional discussions to clarify and resolve any issues in dispute, for the good of Wheaton College and for Christ and His Kingdom.”
In addition to the letter, over 67,000 people have signed a Change.org petition asking for the reinstatement of Hawkins.
Publication date: January 19, 2016
