Posted on 03/23/2015 4:34:33 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
LYNCHBURG, VA – Just hours after Ted Cruz announced he was running for president here, Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. was defending the fact that nearly 10,000 of his school's students had served as the backdrop while attending a mandatory school event.
"It is no secret that Convocation is held three times a week and attendance is required, just like class is required for students," Falwell said in a written statement. "No one is expected to agree with every speaker on every point."
Falwell issued the statement after reports, in National Journal and elsewhere, that a group of students supporting Sen. Rand Paul had protested the mandatory attendance at Cruz's campaign kickoff by showing up in "Stand with Rand" shirts.
"The fact that some students attended the service wearing T-shirts supporting another potential candidate shows that our students are not indoctrinated; they are free — and encouraged — to form their own opinions about what they hear in Convocation and to express it," Falwell said.
Cruz's speech was well received by the Liberty crowd and he was interrupted repeatedly by applause. "I should, however, point out that standing ovations are not required. Students are free to cheer or boo as they see fit," he said.
Falwell noted that "speakers do not all line up with traditional Evangelical Christian viewpoints or even Liberty University's doctrinal statement. A fundamental part of the college experience is being exposed to a variety of viewpoints so students can better understand why they hold their own beliefs and be better prepared to defend them." Indeed, Democratic Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe was originally scheduled to address the students on Monday.
Falwell also complained about media outlets that had quoted anonymous posts on the social-media sites, such as Yik Yak, to capture the feelings of the student body. "It is irresponsible to take anonymous social media posts and assume that they are students, or are representative of the entire student body," Falwell said.
He went on to cite a conversation he had after Cruz's speech with an unnamed student. "A pre-med student, who is a Democrat, came up to me and shared his appreciation for Convocation and how we bring in such a diverse panel of speakers," Falwell said.
Here is Falwell's full statement:
"Convocation is not a worship service. Convocation is Liberty's educational forum for students to hear from speakers with a wide diversity of viewpoints from all walks of life — entertainment, business, politics, ministry, and more — many of whom are globally respected as experts in their areas. It is no secret that Convocation is held three times a week and attendance is required, just like class is required for students. No one is expected to agree with every speaker on every point. In fact, Convocation speakers do not all line up with traditional Evangelical Christian viewpoints or even Liberty University's doctrinal statement. A fundamental part of the college experience is being exposed to a variety of viewpoints so students can better understand why they hold their own beliefs and be better prepared to defend them. Liberty intentionally gives every student this opportunity to become well-rounded on important matters of faith and culture.
The fact that some students attended the service wearing T-shirts supporting another potential candidate shows that our students are not indoctrinated; they are free — and encouraged — to form their own opinions about what they hear in Convocation and to express it.
I should, however, point out that standing ovations are not required. Students are free to cheer or boo as they see fit. I also think it is irresponsible to take anonymous social media posts and assume that they are students, or are representative of the entire student body.
It fills me with great pride, then, to see that our students consistently provide such a warm atmosphere for every speaker who comes to campus, regardless if they agree with them or not.
Right after Convocation today, a pre-med student, who is a Democrat, came up to me and shared his appreciation for Convocation and how we bring in such a diverse panel of speakers. He said that he appreciated the opportunity to hear from Sen. Cruz so close to his announcement to run for president. He appreciated that Liberty was chosen as a platform for such a prominent moment. The student told me that he enjoyed the speech and even found some common ground with Senator Cruz on many issues."
[ They will be coming out of the wood work again like they did with President Reagan ]
And the RINOs are behaving EXACTLY like they did against Reagan in 76 and 80.....
You are a child.
You are a child.
Confidence is that I am comfortable saying I like Scott Walker a lot, and simply prefer Cruz. Compare that to say...well, to YOU. You are a smitten little kitten and always fall for a man crush and then get snarky about everyone else.
Cruz didn’t make the rules of Liberty U’s convocations. I doubt he knew. He also didn’t compel anyone to cheer, to clap, to give him the many standing ovations he’s gotten.
And oh, as Senator from Texas, he’s won elections that dwarf the entire state of Wisky. Just sayin....
And you for the many years you have been here still don’t know how to post one time. Cheating probably to up your numbers just like another I know. Oh well. I don’t have a crush on a politician.....I actually think they all are crap and just talk and don’t get anything done.....although Walker is the lesser of that. He may talk an might not even talk about what others want to hear, but at least his actions prove that he is a conservative unlike those that spout off nonsense and can’t get a bill passed.....even among fellow conservatives. You take the talker, I will take the doer.
Cruz is a doer. I like Walker, and again, the bigger man is exposed here. To say Cruz isn’t a doer is to fall into the trap that many, including Mark Levin, Rush, Beck, Hannity have totally discredited and mad fun of.
You are also falling in line with GOP establishment thinking - and the sad part is, you don’t realize it given your moderate level of information and processing ability.
Ooops.
You’re right. My bad for wrong interpretation.
Sorry guys.
Sorry Jerry.
I don’t often see so-called conservative men who are also unreasoning hysterics. I guess I should thank you for providing me with this novelty.
Aren’t you also the person who runs from fat people because you’re afraid they might get near you?
Good grief. You are saying I am in with Rush, Hannity, and Mark Levin.....that is a great group to be in with quite frankly. They have done more for conservatives then you and I could ever dream too.
Dude, chill - you are just off your meds. I am not saying that at all. Quite the opposite. You are NOT with them at all.
If you could read at higher than a pre school level, you would realize that none of what you are ranting about below applies to me. And I’m sorry, Santorum is just a loser. He was never seriously in it. It was over after Florida. The rest was just window dressing. He would never be elected nationwide. He’s just not that good.
Now I like Walker a lot. I just like Cruz more for a number of reasons, but I could also live somewhat happily with Jindal, Pence, and some others.
BTW, your boi Santorum has called Cruz a “bomb thrower” - I will guarantee you this right now, Cruz won’t waste a syllable on little Rickie. Not one.
If you could read at higher than a pre school level
Again, you cannot have an adult conversation. It is impossible. Anyway I am on a cruise and having a great time drinking, eating and being happy. The last thing I want to do is look at your junk on my rare free moment.
A cruise is wasted on you.....
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