A presentation defending Christianity at Baylor University was postponed after organizers received an $8,500 security bill — more than three times the earlier estimate, according to Christian apologist Dr. Frank Turek.
Now Turek is accusing the historically Baptist university of obstructing the outreach, adding another confrontation to a growing dispute over Baylor’s faithfulness to its Christian commitments.
Baylor’s Ratio Christi chapter had scheduled Turek, founder of CrossExamined, and Ratio Christi CEO Corey Miller to speak Oct. 5 at Waco Hall in Waco, Texas. The event would address two questions: “Is Christianity true? Is it good?” The Christian Post reported.
“In 20 years of going to college campuses, I’ve never experienced more pushback, more administrative roadblocks, and more last-minute changes that could be classified as extortion to thwart my presentation on the evidence for Christianity than we just experienced at Baylor University,” Turek said during his Oct. 9 “Cross Examined” podcast, according to CP.
“Yes, the Baylor University that advertises itself as a Christian school — a Baptist school.”
Baylor disputed responsibility for the postponement. A university spokesperson told CP that organizers repeatedly failed to submit required documentation, delaying the security estimate. University policy makes hosting organizations responsible for those expenses.
“Upon receipt of the full security estimate, the student organization decided to postpone, rather than work with campus leaders to identify a different and possibly less expensive location,” the spokesperson said.
Turek said the security charge rose from $2,600 to $8,500 shortly before the event. He also said the official issuing the invoice had previously stated that security fees “top out at $3,500.”
Turek also cited a livestreaming ban. CP reported that the event’s “expressive activity” designation restricted marketing and limited attendance primarily to the campus community.
“Since we had a security team flying there on Sunday and the Baylor administration gave us no time to question, negotiate, or get clarification on any of this, they left us no choice but to cancel the event immediately,” Turek said, according to CP.
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Baylor said campus leaders remained willing to help organize a future event if required information was provided promptly.
The confrontation comes after repeated objections from Christian leaders over Baylor’s decisions involving LGBT advocacy.
In summer 2025, Baylor’s School of Social Work accepted a $643,401 grant for a project examining LGBT inclusion in churches. Following criticism, the university returned the money.
President Linda Livingstone acknowledged in a July 9 statement that associated work “extended into advocacy for perspectives on human sexuality that are inconsistent with Baylor’s institutional policies.” She reaffirmed the university’s Christian mission and biblical position on marriage.
Months later, Baptist pastors sought restrictions on funding for Baylor, citing concerns that included its recognition of PRISM, an LGBT student organization. Those efforts did not secure the requested restrictions.
In April 2026, Baylor approved the “All Are Neighbors” event featuring LGBT advocates, drawing further objections as Texas Baptists moved toward reviewing its longstanding relationship with the university. Baylor defended allowing open dialogue and differing perspectives. Convention leaders later clarified that a review had already been under consideration before the April events.
Baylor maintains that its institutional beliefs remain unchanged. Turek’s criticism centers on whether the university applies those beliefs when deciding which activities receive a platform.
“They have this policy that’s consistent with the Bible, but then they ignore it when somebody political, quasi-political comes to town,” he said.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
