Friday, May 22, 2009

Liberty University Tells College DEMs They are not Welcome

Liberty University Shuts Down Campus Democratic Party Club - washingtonpost.com

Liberty University has withdrawn recognition of Liberty University College Democrats as a student organization, according to the Washington Post. An email was sent to the group that said: We are unable to lend support to a club whose parent organization stands against the moral principles held by Liberty University. (Full text of new policy and of e-mail revoking College Democrats' recognition). The clubs advisor, Maria Childress, says she is trying to appeal the decision.

The
Lynchburg News-Advance reports on a statement Jerry Falwell, Jr. made today regarding the suspension:

"That club still has the right to exist," Falwell said, although it cannot use the university’s name in its activities. "They still can meet on campus," in certain rooms, he said. "There is absolutely no animosity at all toward any of these kids. They are good, Christian kids who sit with me at ball games. I just hope they find a pro-life family organization to affiliate with so they can be endorsed by Liberty again."
Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine issued a statement on Democratic National Committee letterhead urging the University to reverse its decision.

Now, I always thought dissent was a valuable & cherished part of Baptist life. In fact, Baptists were born out of dissent. Our very existence breaths of the priesthood of the believer, & that each person is answerable to God on with his own conscience. Since when is a political matter a reason to turn away a group, especially in a college where open discussion should be the cornerstone of a well-rounded education?

Stifling dissent is what the Pharisees did. It is what Godslingers to today. Is this what we've come to? I'm not saying a private school cannot do this --- they can. But it is not Baptistic --- nor American.


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