By Liz McKay, sophomore social work major from Wichita, Kan.

Dear Dr. Schubert:

Let me begin by expressing my gratitude for all of the change that has been happening on campus as of late. Compared to the past, there has been an incredible push for including women in many aspects of campus life, such as scripture reading in chapel and increased women speakers. The effects have been noticed and greatly appreciated by a vast number of both students and staff. Thank you.

However, I am writing this letter to ask for the equal participation of women in all aspects of campus life. Although we have had a great start, the complete inclusion of women is a goal that is long overdue on our campus. The push for women’s rights on our campus is akin to the push for minority rights that occurred fifty years ago. Both are human rights issues.

The issue that concerns most is the participation of women worship leaders during chapel services. I am asking that women be granted the ability to lead worship during chapel. By not allowing women to lead singing during Chapel, the university is discriminating against over half of the campus. If Abilene Christian University will grant a woman a Master’s of Divinity, why, then, is she not allowed to lead worship during mandatory chapel services?

I want to thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I love this campus and only desire for it to become even more Christ-like. Above all, I hope that the voices of the women of Abilene Christian can be heard just as loud as their male counterparts, as we are all equal in Christ.

Respectfully yours,

Elizabeth C. McKay

McKay wrote this letter to Dr. Phil Schubert, president of the university, for an assignment in her SOCW 329 Diversity, Power and Oppression course. The assignment was to create a presentation about a group that advocates for a marginalized group of people and advocate for it locally.