Baylor Hosts Dueling Student Events Featuring LGBTQ Advocates and Conservative Group

Texas Baptists raise concerns over university's decision to allow both events on campus

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:51pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a university building with students gathered outside, conveying a sense of contemplation and dialogue through the use of warm lighting and deep shadows.As Baylor University navigates tensions over hosting events with differing viewpoints, the campus remains a space for thoughtful discourse and community engagement.Waco Today

After facing criticism for hosting a Turning Point USA event, Baylor University administrators granted permission for student groups to host a separate event featuring two prominent LGBTQ advocates as guest speakers. The 'All Are Neighbors' event will take place on the same day as the TPUSA event, sparking concerns from the Baptist General Convention of Texas about the university's stance on biblical sexuality.

Why it matters

The dueling events on Baylor's campus highlight the ongoing tensions between the university's commitment to open dialogue and its relationship with the Texas Baptist community, which has raised concerns about Baylor's positions on LGBTQ issues in the past.

The details

The 'All Are Neighbors' event will feature keynote speakers Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, and Paul Raushenbush, a Baptist minister and president of Interfaith Alliance. Baylor faculty member Greg Garrett will also speak at the event, which was organized by student groups including the NAACP chapter, Students Demand Action, and Baylor Democrats.

  • The 'All Are Neighbors' event will be held on April 22, 2026.
  • The Turning Point USA 'This Is the Turning Point' event will also take place on April 22, 2026.

The players

Kelley Robinson

President of the Human Rights Campaign, a leading national LGBTQ advocacy group.

Paul Raushenbush

A Baptist minister and president of Interfaith Alliance, a national nonprofit organization.

Greg Garrett

A Baylor faculty member and columnist for Baptist News Global.

Baylor University

A private Christian university in Waco, Texas, with a longstanding partnership with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT)

The largest of the three Baptist state conventions in Texas, representing over 5,300 churches.

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What they’re saying

“We are aware of recent reports regarding the student-initiated 'All Are Neighbors' event being planned at Baylor University and are hearing strong concerns from members of the Texas Baptists family. We take these concerns seriously.”

— Baptist General Convention of Texas

“As executive director, I agree that hosting speakers who are Christian, identify as gay and practice LGBTQ+ advocacy at a university-approved event is inconsistent with the convention's long-standing views on biblical sexuality.”

— Julio Guarneri, BGCT Executive Director

“As an academic institution, Baylor University is committed to ensuring open dialogue and the robust exchange of ideas and perspectives. We hold this commitment along with an obligation to provide a safe and nurturing educational environment within a caring Christian community.”

— Baylor University

What’s next

The BGCT executive board will initiate a study of the organization's relationship with Baylor University at its upcoming May meeting.

The takeaway

This event highlights the ongoing tensions between Baylor's commitment to academic freedom and open dialogue, and the Baptist community's expectations for the university to uphold traditional views on biblical sexuality.