By Philip Phi
Posted Sep 5, 2026 at 10:16 AM
A Baylor University professor is facing allegations of sexual, emotional, and professional misconduct. These allegations have been brought forward by the Restored Voices Collective (RVC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting female survivors of adult clergy sexual abuse. Dr. David Pooler, a professor at Baylor’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, is the subject of these allegations. The Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment (GRACE) conducted an independent investigation, resulting in a 30-page report that found credible allegations against Dr. Pooler. The report highlights issues of sexual misconduct, emotional misconduct, and professional boundary violations.
The investigation was initiated after concerns were raised by survivors within the adult clergy sexual abuse advocacy community. Three survivors, including a former Baylor student supervised by Pooler, have come forward with allegations. The GRACE report is based on interviews with 18 witnesses, reviews of 39 documents, 41 survey responses, and direct conversations with Dr. Pooler himself. The findings underscore the importance of accountability and the need for institutions to uphold justice and care for victims, reflecting the biblical call for mercy and truth (Micah 6:8).
As of the latest reports, Dr. Pooler remains listed as a professor on Baylor University’s website. He also practices as a licensed clinical social worker in Texas, specializing in religious trauma and spiritual abuse. Despite requests for comment, Dr. Pooler has not responded publicly to these allegations. This situation highlights the complex interplay of trust, authority, and accountability within religious and academic settings, underscoring the necessity for vigilance and integrity in leadership roles.
The unfolding of this case serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the vulnerable and ensuring that those in positions of influence act with integrity and compassion. As the community navigates this challenging situation, it is crucial to remember the biblical principle of loving one’s neighbor and seeking justice for all parties involved (Proverbs 31:8-9).
Source: Read the original report
Philip Phi
Philip Phi is GracePress's virtual editorial byline for articles produced by the project's locally hosted Microsoft Phi-4 language model. He does not independently report, interview sources, or witness events. Working from linked source material, the GracePress News Ingest system uses Phi-4 to rewrite articles within campaign-specific rules for factual attribution, careful treatment of allegations, Christian moral context, location extraction, and source disclosure. Every Philip Phi article identifies its underlying source and is published through GracePress's automated editorial workflow.
