The university itself does not receive any federal funds, said Shorter spokeswoman Dawn Tolbert. Federal student loans and grants are paid directly to students, she said.
“The personal lifestyle statement does not have bearing on whether or not a student receives a federal loan or grant because the money goes directly to the students,” Davis confirmed.
The personal lifestyle statement requires that personnel agree to four principles: be loyal to the mission of Shorter University, do not engage in the use and sale of illegal drugs, do not view premarital sex, adultery and homosexuality “as acceptable” and refrain from the use of alcohol in the presence of students and in public.
In 2009 the university did receive $42,358 in reinvestment and recovery funds, but again Tolbert said those dollars went directly to pay students in the work-study program.
“The money went to on-campus jobs for students, which is part of their financial aid,” Tolbert said.
The first item in the principles of personal conduct, which is part of the lifestyle statement, requires all faculty and staff to be loyal to the mission of Shorter University as a “Christ-centered institution affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention.”
The school receives 4.2 percent of its $50 million budget from the Georgia Baptist Convention, roughly $2.1 million each year.
“Our relationship with the Georgia Baptist Convention is that they are the sole member of our corporation. We are Shorter University Incorporated. We are owned by them,” Tolbert said.
While the GBC elects Shorter’s trustees, Tolbert emphasizes that once board members are elected, the trustees are completely independent.
“The GBC cannot tell them what to do. Any actions taken by the board are the board’s own and not that of the Georgia Baptist Convention,” Tolbert said.
The board of trustees approved the lifestyle statement and a statement of faith highlighting the school’s beliefs last week.
Several former Shorter University employees contacted by the Rome News-Tribune could not speak on the record, saying they signed confidentiality agreements when they left employment with the college.
A Rome News-Tribune reporter who attempted to speak with students was told students were asked not to speak to the media at the beginning of the semester.
Tolbert emphasizes that her office has never told any students they cannot speak to the press, and all “official” comment comes through Shorter’s public relations office.
“As posted at the front gate, Shorter has a policy that all media representatives coming on campus should check in with the PR office,” Tolbert said.
That's a lie. Tuition and fee revenue goes directly the college. If a student has no other sources of aid, it's very true that these federal dollars (tax money from tax-paying citizens) are going to support this backward thinking institution of 'higher learning' - a lie.
Jtex, where in Shorter's policy does it state that they hate homosexuals?
Schools like Azusa Pacific, Union, Baylor, Liberty, Wheaton all have faith integration statements. That's all I looked up but there are many more about the same size as Shorter or smaller. All these mentioned are larger than Shorter and have no problem attracting students and keeping accreditation as well as offering majors in a variety of areas. You can even get a law degree at Baylor or Liberty now.
Relgious institutions do have an exemption for faith reasons to require certain beliefs and behaviors. That is why Mr. Business Owner cannot do what Shorter has done unless it is a faith based group.
Check on the recent lawsuit World Vision won on this topic. Baylor's faculty page: "Our mission is to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community." Baylor's belief statement is not exactly the same as Shorter's, mainly because it is not receiving funds from all Texas Baptists anymore and it is less conservative in beliefs.
Yes I did read the entire statement on Shorter's website. It is great. I have signed such statements when I have taught undergrad courses. It was even more encouraging than I realized. I may have to get out my checkbook and send them some money. My nephew is a senior and quite happy about these changes.
I don't expect all of you to understand or agree. Thanks for reading. I'm going to move on since the hits on this page will die down now and its not worth my time for a few readers--not that you guys aren't important but you need some time for this to sink it and we can see what happens.
Did you read all the documents on www.shorter.edu? One of them is about Academic Excellence and Faith Integration. I think you're actually wrong about the desire of Shorter to become a Bible College.
Quoted: University faculty will submit an annual plan with their contract that includes the following goals:
a. An approved plan for developing their scholastic, educational, and instructional skills in order to stay current in their particular academic disciplines
b. An approved strategy for integrating biblical faith into the academic disciplines.
Maybe you should take some time to explain how you would integrate biblical faith into your classes. What about Algebra? Dance? Composition? Accounting? Be sure to quote us some scripture!
Religious whackos believe they are above the laws of the land.
Teaching intelligent design makes more academic sense (and less faith) than believing all of creation evolved into being. I cannot believe that an automobile could just create it itself by chance--it had an intelligent designer. The human body is even more intricate and complicated. It (as well as all of creation) had an intelligent designer as well.
I realize that paragraph won't change your mind--but you and others will read it and perhaps it will spark some thought. It isn't necessary to toss science out the window to be a Christian.
If I had my fingers in my ears, I would not take the time to listen to you by reading what you wrote.
I don't think there is a chance it will "deteriorate into a laughingstock" with junior high curriculum. You guys are over reacting with your comments, but I don't mind taking a bit of time to answer.
Since it is already done, all we can do it watch and see what happens.
This is a move in the right direction. Just because you believe in a biblical lifestyle does not mean that your teaching is sub-standard or "narrow." Students who want to listen to ultra-liberal professors with lower moral standards have many other choices for their educational experience. My children attended a Baptist school in another state and received an education that was challenging and competitive, yet without having their faith attacked or ridiculed by professors.
Many Ivy League educational institutions have engraved into their buildings "The truth will make you free." That scripture in context is "Jesus said, If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Jn 8:31-32
This standard does not mean a university will turn into a "Bible College." It can still teach at an extremely high level and there are many PhD's who will be attracted to an environment like Shorter.
Current students are almost exclusively getting through college on extensive scholarships, and they're all terrified that they will loose their scholarships and be forced out of their school. That's why they've let several things that the trustees have done in recent years go by. I only hope that they are outraged enough by this to finally say something.
I would definitely go that far. I'm also worried that it won't be long before the school looses accreditation, and my degree actually becomes as worthless as it feels today.
If I was a gay employee or student, I'd also be curious to know if they're going to go with DADT or start a witch hunt.
I'm also wondering why it's apparently OK to drink alone but not in public. But I guess that's between them and their god.
(1) Several former Shorter University employees contacted by the Rome News-Tribune could not speak on the record, saying they signed confidentiality agreements when they left employment with the college.
(2) A Rome News-Tribune reporter who attempted to speak with students was told students were asked not to speak to the media at the beginning of the semester.
I would be curious to know what questions to Shorter Students and Former Employees does the Rome News Tribune have?