Patterson Must Apologize to Those He's Harmed: Part II of Sheri Klouda's Story in Her Own Words

This is Part II of Dr. Sheri Klouda, former Professor of Hebrew at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Part I can be read here. Dr. Patterson, when you apologize to Dr. Sheri Klouda personally, as well as other women whom you've harmed with your unbiblical beliefs about women and your patriarchal behavior toward women, your apology for your insensitivity toward women will be deemed genuine.

Part II of Sheri Klouda’s story in her own words.

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Written by Sheri Klouda

It wasn’t until the end of the academic year (May, 2004) that anything significant happened. I did my best not to wear bright colors or clothing that would draw attention. I attended faculty meetings and events, but remained quiet.

I spent most of my time teaching and working with my students, and actually, taught 6 credit hours over my contract requirement. I finished a book length manuscript, contributed to publications, garnered a number of doctoral students interested in writing about biblical intertextuality, wrote for an Apologetics study Bible, worked on a translation and commentary of Psalms for another Bible, continued my studies with Stephen Geller at Jewish Theological Seminary, gave papers at SBL, and taught 7th grade Sunday School. 

I met regularly with students, and carefully monitored everything I said and did. I didn’t stay in the faculty lounge any longer than necessary, I didn’t meet in totally closed door settings with male colleagues; actually, I really did not spend an inordinate amount of time with any of my colleagues in the interest of appearance and discretion. In some ways, it was a bit isolating, but I really enjoyed my work so I didn’t let it bother me too much. I received high marks in my student evaluations, and I felt confident that I was making a difference in the kingdom of God.

In May, as soon as classes were over, I was summoned to the Associate Dean’s office. He told me that Paige Patterson wanted me to actively seek a new academic community as soon as possible. I asked him what I had done, and if there wasn’tsomething I could do to stay at the seminary. I expressed to him that I had done everything to stay below the radar, and that finding another job is not that easy. I asked how long I had to find another job, and the dean told me that there was no specified time limit, but he indicated that I needed to leave before it was time for me to come up for tenure. (Dr. Patterson, by the way, does not believe in tenure). The dean also told me that the seminary would do everything it could to help facilitate a transition, but that Paige did not want me to speak a word about this to anyone.

Continuing to teach at the seminary in the meantime relied on my total silence. I was also instructed that if I consulted or mentioned anything about an attorney, that the conversation would stop there. Admittedly, I was blindsided, simply because I took Paige at his word, and I wasn’t sure what to do next. There were subsequent conversations throughout the first part of the summer with the Associate Dean, and I asked him whether it would be appropriate for me to write a letter to Paige formally asking if there was some way I could continue at the seminary. I did so, and the dean took it to Paige.

Since, of course, I needed references for applications of employment, a few faculty members in positions of authority were aware of the circumstances behind my job search. During the 2004-05 semester, I began supervising doctoral dissertations and masters’ theses, teaching a doctoral reading seminar, and attended an ATS conference on research grants and writing. I continued to present at the professional meetings, write and edit, and complete my post graduate courses with Dr. Geller, combined with teaching a full schedule. 

On occasion, I was asked to report on my progress of finding another job. The Associate Dean conveyed to me that Paige was impatient and disturbed that I had not yet moved on. I was asked to keep a log concerning when and where I applied for positions. There were just not that many open positions in Evangelical institutions for biblical language professors and the field was very competitive.When I managed to interview for a position, I had to explain “why” I was looking for another job. In some cases, the fact that Paige was dismissing me because of my gender presented a disadvantage, since I believe some institutions did not want to get in the middle of a gender dispute, and others wanted to avoid crossing Paige. 

In other cases, more progressive institutions shied away from candidates with degrees from religiously conservative institutions, regardless of the applicant’s qualifications. It was also at this time that Dr. Terri Stovall contacted me, asking if I was interested in teaching Biblical Hebrew to the ladies. I explained that I would be happy to, but that she needed to check with Paige and Dorothy because I did not think they would approve the idea. I never heard anything else about it.

During the 2005-2006 academic year, I saw a great deal of professional growth. The student projects I supervised were well under way, and I was awarded a Theological Scholar’s Grant of $10,000 by the Association of Theological Schools for a book project. I had completed my additional work with Dr. Geller, and I was involved in a number of research projects. I began attending interview panels for potential doctoral students, and participated in interviews for new positions. 

I spoke at the opening of what at the time was the Institute for Biblical Literature Library on the Southwestern campus. I met with Paige in the Fall of 2005, asking once again if there wasn’t some way I could continue to work there, even in the College. I explained to him that I worked hard at finding another job, and asked if there was something he could do to help. I also explained the position he was putting my family in. He did not have a response at that time other than to thank me for coming in and reinforcing his opposition to my teaching at Southwestern.

In the early spring of 2006, the Associate Dean came to my office. He told me that Paige Patterson would no longer allow me to teach, and that I would not be on the class schedule for the next academic year. I could remain in my office, and come in each day, but that I would not be teaching at all. I made an appointment with Paige and went to see him. He allowed that they would continue paying me for the time being, but that there were no guarantees beyond the Fall of 2006. I also met with the Dean, who counseled me that I should explain to all my classes why I would no longer be able to teach at the seminary.

In some ways, this was a humbling experience; in other instances, there were questions I could not answer, and some students expressed incredulity at the idea that I was being asked to step down, thinking surely, I could appeal.

In the meantime, Taylor University contacted me in April of 2006 as the result of a recommendation by a colleague, and eventually, I accepted a job there. We had only lived in our house two years, and the recession began shortly after we moved to Upland, so we lost money on our home in Texas when we sold it 9 months later, and were unable to buy another home in Indiana for years.

The employment situation in rural Indiana made it difficult for my husband to find a job paying more than $7 an hour. I accepted a large cut in salary, and while we had medical coverage, I had to wait to invest in my retirement account. I am, however, eternally grateful to the University for their confidence in me. I was always treated fairly and everyone, including the administration, was very supportive.

 One thing worth mentioning: I worked in a department that was dividedregarding the roles of women in teaching biblical studies and theology; nevertheless, we were all able to acknowledge our differences and work together for the benefit of the school and our students. The school provided a safe place for my family to live and work, and I appreciate all they did for us.

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Part III to come...