Statement on Recent Article Regarding
La Sierra University Biology Department

Dr. Gary Bradley, semi-retired biology professor in the Department of Biology of La Sierra University, gave an interview to an internet-based higher education news service on August 31, in which he shared his perspectives on the discussion of how creation and evolution are taught in La Sierra University classrooms. Dr. Bradley does not speak on behalf of the university or the biology department. Some of Dr. Bradley’s statements as reported in the article posted September 1 do not reflect the views of the university. They are his views alone.

La Sierra University is fully mindful of its responsibilities and commitments as a Seventh-day Adventist institution of higher education. This includes a whole-hearted support for the doctrines, teachings and tenets of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which certainly include, but are broader than, the 28 Statements of Fundamental Beliefs. The university is also committed to a spirit of inquiry in its classrooms and laboratories that reflects the exhortation of 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to “Prove all things; hold fast to what is good.”

Dr. Bradley has served with distinction for 38 years as a biology professor at La Sierra University. During this time, he helped to academically prepare numerous biology researchers and health care professionals who continue to serve the world and the Church with a strong sense of devotion to God and a high level of competence. Nevertheless, the university is saddened that some of his statements, as reported in this interview do not reflect the university’s commitment to help our students navigate the important issues of faith and science in the context of Seventh-day Adventist higher education.

For more information:
Larry Becker
Executive Director, University Relations
La Sierra University
4500 Riverwalk Parkway
Riverside, CA 92515
951-785-2460
lbecker@lasierra.edu