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."
See my #9.
Actually, as a student, I’d think it kind of cool to get a two-fer: credit for a meeting like this and a Presidential candidacy announcement.
“THIS IS WHY THE LEFT FEARS TED CRUZ.”
____________
Let me guess. He lives in their heads rent free. Heard it already.
I’m curios how you connect being forced to a political rally and failing to EVER DO THAT — requires you to leave the country. Are you serious? WAKE UP!!
Actually they fear him also because Cruz wants to RESTORE AMERICARather thanTransform AMERICA.
Um, I didn’t. No one makes you attend a religious college where there are three-a-week mandatory convocations (and you know that going in) whereas the whole citizenry is being forced to buy Obamacare. Apples and oranges, ICM.
I disagree. The University says they have all manner of speakers in. They require attendance.
It’s their school.
Nothing NAZI about it at all. Sounds like they don’t want to spend thousands to get in top speakers and have them show up to talk to an empty house.
It’s above board. If you don’t like such things, then DON’T attend this particular school.
Wow. Please evaluate what you just wrote. WOW!!
Oh, flush your toilet and get back to work, iowacornman. Part of the agreement the students make when they enroll is that they will attend convocation three times a week. If they won’t, then they can attend another school.
The commie pig Marxist "perfessers" give their turds extra credit for protesting against the cops in Ferguson, disrupting a TEA Party rally or non-commie 'RAT candidate's event or joining the #occupy jerkoffs. I never hear these trolls whining and throwing tantrums about that!!!
It can be, but it’s normally a meeting with a speaker.
They may have to attend but they don’t have to cheer wildly and do multiple standing “O”’s.
I hope you’re joking!
I went to Catholic school in the 60s and EVERYTHING was required. It’s not government coercion, you know.
You didn’t read the article did you? Just stirring up trouble with no actual knowledge of the facts....
I went to a school that required chapel attendance. As you can guess, it was not a public school.
He’s going to have a rougher time than Palin did and does.
(Remember Ted and his family during this campaign.)
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