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September 21, 2009 Dear Mrs.

Curtis and Members of the Discipline Committee, Since coming to La Sierra last January, it has been clearly set before my eyes and ears that the University is teaching the theory of evolution as "The single unifying explanation of the living world." Realizing this teaching as contrary to the truth contained in the Bible, I have worked toward creating awareness. Since La Sierra University identifies itself with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, I thought it very important that parents, family members, and alumni, as well as other members of the church know what the students are being taught. This was done through giving many parents and alumni curriculum information in the form of a letter. I was thanked by a host of people, many of whom were shocked and had no idea that evolution was being promoted at La Sierra. These people included both Seventh-Day Adventists and alumni who are not church members. I have also worked toward helping my fellow students see that the model of origins as taught in the Bible is supported by objective scientific data and observation, and that evolution is not the single unifying explanation of life on earth. This has been done by passing out DVDs to students, as well as hosting a seminar on Creation science in Hole Memorial Auditorium. La Sierra University's website states that it is "Convinced that God is the author of all truth." Following this principle, I have made an effort to ask questions in class, in hopes that students may at least question as to whether or not what they are being taught is in harmony with God's truth. This is in line with La Sierra's principle of maintaining "An atmosphere of freedom and openness for intellectual exploration and expression." On that note, I applied to form a student group called "Students in Support of Creation Science" during spring quarter, and was turned down. Now to the purpose of this letter. I currently have a hold placed by Provost Trenchard on my ability to register at La Sierra, based upon some behavioral problems he feels I have displayed. Today the Provost told me that he placed the hold on my student account at the beginning of the summer. I find it interesting that he took no such disciplinary action during the Winter or Spring quarters of 2009. I would like to request that if the Mr. Trenchard has any reason for which to disallow my request to be a student at La Sierra University, he would openly state it. I believe it would be appropriate for him to identify any specific reasons in writing, and to present them to me, as well as to the Committee. I wonder why Mr. Trenchard has delegated the decision for my suitability as a student to Mrs. Curtis, who told me today that she is not familiar with the reasons for Mr. Trenchard's hold on my account. To you on the Discipline Committee I write personally. Go to the Provost, and ask him to describe the behavior I have displayed for which he restricts my ability to be

a student at La Sierra University. In this way, you can judge for yourselves whether or not his claims are of legitimate weight. While attending UC Davis, I was given opportunity to stand for my faith as a Seventh-Day Adventist. As I competed on the university golf team, many of my fellow competitors wondered and were able to learn why I was sitting out when competition was held on Sabbath. Also, several newspaper articles were written about me, and my stand for the Sabbath always came up. One of these articles covered the entire back page of the campus newspaper, so that thousands of students were able to learn about my beliefs. I was awarded the Student Athlete of the Year Award in 2007, and was given the opportunity to speak about God in front of hundreds of people. A recently published article in the Tulsa World shared my decision not to play on Sabbath with thousands across the Bible Belt region. I have realized through these experiences that people in the world, who don't know the significance of SDA beliefs, still show a great deal of respect for them. I came to La Sierra, and was given another opportunity to speak up for my faith. Rather than seeing traditional SDA beliefs respected, they are being silenced. I have strived to help La Sierra University uphold its position that God is the author of all truth. I ask you to think about your position. While we attempt to resolve this matter, does it concern you that students at La Sierra are being told that though "all humanity was created in the image of God," you in fact share common ancestry with an ape? May I ask each of you to individually pray about this matter, and consider the implications it has for the Creation/Evolution controversy at La Sierra.

Sincerely,

Louie Bishop cc: Ricardo Graham

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