(Please direct media inquiries to Dr. Derrek Belase – dbelase@okumc.org; 405-714-1554).

This morning, the Texas State Supreme Court rendered their decision in case 23-0703 between Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church (SCJ).
At issue are SMU’s attempted amendments to its articles of incorporation in 2019 that were made without the required approval of the SCJ. SMU requested review by the Texas Supreme Court following an unfavorable opinion by the Dallas Court of Appeals.
Today’s favorable opinion from the Court supports our original position that SMU must seek the approval of the SCJ when making changes to its amendments.

Our desire is to see this matter brought to a peaceful resolution so that our historic connection to the university can be fruitfully maintained for future generations.

SMU, located in Dallas, is the home to Perkins School of Theology, one of the thirteen United Methodist seminaries approved by the denomination, which receives Ministerial Education Funds from apportionments paid by local churches throughout the SCJ.
In addition, the Bridwell Library at SMU now houses the entire collection of the World Methodist Museum, formerly located at Lake Junaluska in North Carolina.

This is what we know: As of May 28, the U.S. State Department issued a nationwide pause on student visa appointments for new and renewals. As explained to us by U.S. Consulate in Juarez, this directive stems from the expansion of social media screening procedures for visa applicants.

Despite numerous attempts to seek clarification from the SEVIS Response Center (Homeland Security)—including phone calls and emails — we have not received any substantive guidance. Consular staff are similarly awaiting further instruction from the State Department.

As of now, we have confirmed that up to 20 of our students have been directly affected by this suspension. However, we still do not have a full picture of the total impact. It’s important to note that the vague and inconsistent nature of this announcement raises serious concerns. Whether intentional or not, the lack of clarity has created confusion, chaos, and deep uncertainty—especially for the most vulnerable students and families who are simply trying to pursue their education through lawful and transparent means.

This policy does not appear to advance national safety or security. The individuals affected are not undocumented—they are students who are legally enrolled in accredited educational programs and have followed every requirement of the process. Restricting their access to education does not make our country safer; rather, it disrupts lives, delays progress, and threatens the integrity of long-standing programs that foster learning, dignity, and meaningful cross-border collaboration.

Let me share just one story:

Karla is a rising senior at LPI. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA, including in college-level courses, and is recognized as a leader on campus. Recently, she was accepted into a prestigious college prep program. Her dream is to become a mechanical engineer—and her family has followed every rule in the process. Now, because of this arbitrary suspension, Karla may not be allowed to return to continue her studies in the fall. She is just one of many students now left in limbo.

I urge everyone to act. Please contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives. Let them know this matters. This is not about border control—it’s about protecting educational opportunity for students like Karla who deserve better.

Please keep our students, families, and staff in your prayers—and thank you for standing with us in this sacred work. Share this story. Share the humanity. Your voice is powerful, and it’s needed now more than ever.

Dr. Carla Cardoza

President 
Lydia Patterson Institute