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."
Just an FYI...the original speaker for ttoday’s convocation was Gov Terry McAuliffe. He was rescheduled.
“Three people out of that crowd? Big deal”
Thanks, I didn’t realize that. Agree!
Do you have any idea how odd of a question that is? How obvious the answer is? Apparently not. GEEZ!
Is that satire?
He’s drawn “non-compelled crowds” for four years now, my man. Don’t they realize that over at Daily Kos?
To Jerry Falwell Jr......FOAD.
Got it?
Amen! I said a few prayers for Cruz, his family, and America as part of his speech was used in Hannity's opening.
Ain’t it the truth. This is one odd duck here.
“Is that satire?”
What? No.
FOAD? Really? WTF?
I can’t imagine McAuliffe at Liberty.
Here’s an article about McAuliffe being replaced today.
In fact, Convocation speakers do not all line up with traditional Evangelical Christian viewpoints or even Liberty University’s doctrinal statement.
meanwhile at secular colleges dissent from Leftwing views can result in censoring by the college due to protests from agitators
I was trying to post that article days ago but they kept 404’ing it every time I tracked it down.
It seems to me these students were vastly honored to be present at a historic occasion and a presidential announcement speech. Watching history being made.
This whole discussion is pure silliness. I was a student at Liberty, in the law school. I’ve met Dr. Jerry Falwell. Anyone attending that school who doesn’t get how political that culture is must be living under a rock. Falwell created that school, in major part, to get evangelicals back into the political mainstream. If you go there, there will be politics. It’s not a secret. It’s like going to MIT and being shocked when people expect you to do engineering. I’m shaking my head in disbelief at this line of attack. You don’t like folks putting political expectations on you at Liberty? Go to George Fox in Oregon. Problem solved, no one’s sense of freedom offended.
Peace,
SR
Love your tag line - gave me the best laugh.
They will be coming out of the wood work again like they did with President Reagan
I am just glad that Walker doesn’t force people to listen to his speeches. If they want to listen to Walker they go, if they don’t they don’t go. Cruz has people mandatory attendance to his announcement to President......I guess if that is how Cruz roles I guess that is his thing.
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