Board member Kevin Johnson, another SPU Ames Scholar alum, resigns, declining to stand for re-election after ending his three-year term. Shortly after his resignation, Johnson posted the following sentiments on LinkedIn, which were also reported more broadly by several media outlets: “While I respect each Board Member on an individual level, I do not agree with the Board’s decision to uphold the University’s policies surrounding hiring, especially in regards to members of the LBGTQIA+ community. I wholeheartedly stand for equality in all forms, and will always push for a community of love and inclusion. I send this message to anyone who has ever been a minority, or felt excluded from a larger group on any level. Especially to the Students, Faculty, and Staff of SPU, I stand with you. I am sending my love to you. In loving memory of Gary Ames–my mentor and friend, who provided the scholarship which gave me an opportunity to attend SPU. Your words and wisdom with never leave me.”
Human Sexuality, Gender Identity, & Christian Mission at Seattle Pacific University