Quote :

"RICHMOND, Va. -- Liberty University has ordered its fledgling College Democrats club to shut down, saying the group stands against the conservative Christian school's moral principles. Club president Brian Diaz said he was shocked to be notified by e-mail last week that the club was being banned by the private university in Lynchburg founded by the late Rev. Jerry Falwell. The university first recognized it in the fall. The club is barred from using Liberty's name, advertising events and holding meetings on campus. Violators could be reprimanded and face expulsion for repeated offenses. Vice president of student affairs Mark Hine said in the e-mail sent to Diaz on May 15 that the Democratic party violates the school's principles by supporting abortion, socialism and the "'LGBT' agenda," referring to lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people. The e-mail said that even though the campus group "may not support the more radical planks of the Democratic Party, the Democratic Party is still the parent organization of the club on campus.""

http://tinyurl.com/o3oskl

As a private institution, I unquestionably support their right to do this. That being said, this is the kind of close-mindedness that is going to doom the Republican party. Not that the Democrat's don't have their fair share ("No free speech for hate" at the Tancredo speech in Chapel Hill) but they are not dominating the Democrat party like the hard right is dominating the GOP.

5/23/2009 9:27:07 AM

^

and Liberty University is completely ridiculous. Maybe not as ridiculous as in years past, but still barely even hanging on to the lunatic fringe.

5/23/2009 10:06:52 AM

Quote :

"the Democrat party"

why?

5/23/2009 10:29:25 AM

Quote :

"supporting abortion, socialism and the "'LGBT' agenda"

LOL

I'd like a poll of every democrat to see what % supports the LGBT agenda and socialism.

This is like saying every republican supports torture, fascism, and spreading the Evangelical Christian agenda.

My democratic grandma born outside of Charlotte is more conservative than probably half the TWW self labeled republicans.

5/23/2009 11:03:25 AM

how is the "LGBT" agenda tantamount to supporting torture and fascism?

i'd like to think that the "LGBT" agenda isn't all that radical.

5/23/2009 11:04:50 AM

LGBT agenda is matched up with Evangelical Agenda if you use your logic skills

I matched abortion with toruture, and socialism with fascism

5/23/2009 11:11:20 AM

Quote :

"As a private institution, I unquestionably support their right to do this."

Me too.

But they should change their name from 'Liberty' to "Intolerant Group-Think University".

5/23/2009 11:17:32 AM

^^is it? it's not to me. not in the least. lgbt groups (for the most part) are fighting for more civil liberties and things that will not hurt anyone else (except maybe the feelings of stupid people). the evangelicals, not so much.

5/23/2009 12:39:41 PM

the only person that i've personally known to have graduated from liberty university is now a registered sex offender and is doing time for molesting little boys during his stint as a "youth minister"

i realize this is totally irrelevant to the thread, i just wanted to throw that out there.

5/23/2009 1:05:49 PM

My buddy is dating a Liberty girl. Mentioned to me at some point in the past half year about "getting burned by the church" but now she has found a new place in the area that she loves and feels comfortable with.

Quote :

"("No free speech for hate" at the Tancredo speech in Chapel Hill)"

I suppose the "no free speech" part you're referring to was during the time before they threw rocks through windows, right?

5/23/2009 1:12:35 PM

what an evil fucking organization

how unamerican can you fucking get?

5/23/2009 1:50:56 PM

^
They're a ridiculous, bigoted and close-minded bunch of fools, but there is absolutely nothing unamerican about a private organization maintaining its own private beliefs. I guess we should sick the thought-police on them for the crime of opposing gays, abortion and socialism...

5/23/2009 2:27:06 PM

I also don't see why they lump socialism in with abortion and the homosex. I think that leftist fiscal policy is an abomination, but I don't see how it clashes with Christianity.

5/23/2009 2:35:42 PM

^^

wrong... the suppression of free speech and free assembly is certainly UNAMERICAN

what they're doing may not be illegal in strictest since because they are not "congress", but it goes against all the values that we hold dear

[Edited on May 23, 2009 at 2:43 PM. Reason : .]

5/23/2009 2:37:37 PM

One of my best friends from preschool through about 10th grade went to Liberty. His parents always had him in private Christian schools but he was never a strange dude, just a little awkward like anyone our age. He was still allowed to play Playstation and go out on school nights and watch TV and stuff. Around 10th grade he got really serious about the faith and eventually decided he was going to get really really pious and become a pastor. Last I saw of him was on a church trip to King's Dominion, then he just sorta dropped off the face of the earth for years.

Now he manages a grocery store in our hometown and every time my mom shops there he asks about when I'm gonna come visit but I haven't yet b/c it's just too awkward I have enough trouble with my cousin who's a arch-conservative Evangelical Presbyterian minister now who I used to drink 40s in my grandmother's backyard with.

5/23/2009 2:50:50 PM

Quote :

"the suppression of free speech and free assembly is certainly UNAMERICAN"

Yes, but there isn't any suppression of free speech and free assembly here: "The club is barred from using Liberty's name, advertising events [on campus] and holding meetings on campus."

Quote :

"what they're doing may not be illegal in strictest since because they are not "congress","

Exactly. It's not illegal at all. At all. They are saying what they allow on their private property and who may use their private name. Not illegal. Not wrong. Not even immoral.

Quote :

"but it goes against all the values that we hold dear"

No, it doesn't. The only value "we" hold dear is valuing everyone's right to have their own values. Who is "we" anyway? Be careful trying to speak for others... or suggesting what everyone should think.... that, if anything, is unamerican.

[Edited on May 23, 2009 at 2:57 PM. Reason : ]

5/23/2009 2:55:32 PM

lol Lynchburg

5/23/2009 2:59:15 PM

Check here for a lengthy list of liberal institutions that have made conservatives feel unwelcome for years.

http://www.thefire.org/

5/23/2009 7:32:30 PM

If this situation were reverse the card-toting republicans like hooksaw would be shitting a brick about their rights and constitution.

With the reverse a conservative institution banning the democrat club; conveniently they are like "well this kinda sucks but its their right to not allow a certain organization on campus since they are private."

IMHO I can agree with not letting them use Liberty University Student Democrats club; but preventing a group of students from being affiliated as a democrat club is just plain wrong.

5/23/2009 7:41:40 PM

Quote :

"IMHO I can agree with not letting them use Liberty University Student Democrats club; but preventing a group of students from being affiliated as a democrat club is just plain wrong"

[Did you just contradict yourself?...because they aren't being prevented from being affiliated as a democrat club -- they were already offered to be affiliated as "Liberty University Pro-life Democrats club".... ]

No, it's not.
What part of "private" don't you understand?
Now, if it were a public school, they could only either allow all clubs or disallow all clubs. In other words, public schools can disallow clubs, but if even one is allowed, then any and all must be allowed -- no matter what they're about. But a private school is not legally or morally obligated to lend their name or property to anyone that wants it. In what crazy world are private entities forced to allow the speech and activities of others? Do I have to lend my name and my living room to your cause?

[Edited on May 23, 2009 at 8:03 PM. Reason : ]

5/23/2009 7:59:25 PM

How is it a contradiction?

I'm saying that whats the problem that a group of students getting together as a "Democrats Club" this is different and not mutually inclusive of being a "Liberty University Democrats Club".

5/23/2009 10:17:47 PM

^
What now?

5/23/2009 10:39:12 PM

Quote :

"Liberty University has ordered its fledgling College Democrats club to shut down, saying the group stands against the conservative Christian school's moral principles."

Doesn't sound like "Liberty" to me. I suppose it would have been too honest to have named the school "Hypocrisy".

[Edited on May 23, 2009 at 11:00 PM. Reason : ironic, isn't it?]

5/23/2009 10:59:17 PM

Quote :

"But they should change their name from 'Liberty' to..."

Quote :

"Doesn't sound like "Liberty" to me."

I've often thought that "Liberty" was a poor, or at least questionable choice of name, given the nature of the school. Although, I suppose the concept of liberty cuts both ways....

5/23/2009 11:10:41 PM

For a little university, they have some nice buildings. They have a big bubble like building I guess for basketball and other events...sorta looks high tech.

5/24/2009 12:02:38 AM

My sister just graduated from Liberty. My parents suggested several years ago that I transfer there; I believe my reaction was something like, "oh hell no."

I wasn't able to find anything on Liberty's website about this, but I did find a couple of reports from last year when the College Democrats chapter was just starting:

Quote :

" http://tinyurl.com/qlhftc Oct 21, 2008 A college democrat group is currently in the process of launching on Liberty’s campus, according to the College Democrats of Liberty (CDL) Facebook group. While the students have not yet filed official group paperwork with the Student Government Association, the first meeting is tentatively planned for Oct. 27. CDL is also looking for a faculty advisor. According to the Facebook group, the purpose of CDL is “to promote the values of: tolerance, equal opportunity for all, and a commitment to social justice. Liberty democrats are here to educate fellow peers about the Democratic Party and the principles the party stands for.” Stephen Witham, associate professor of government, has been the faculty advisor for the college republicans for years. He is a conservative, but sees some benefit to having a democratic group on campus, as long as they follow conservative principles. Witham added that a CDL group demonstrates the openness to different points of view at Liberty. “While secular schools claim that they are open to all ideas, the prevailing climate of political correctness sometimes operates to silence conservatives in the name of ‘fairness’ or ‘sensitivity,’” Witham said. "

That last quote just makes me shake my head, especially contrasted with what has happened now. You know how conservative those students would have had to be to begin with to even garner some recognition for their club. I'm very interested in why Liberty shut them down after over six months of operation, instead of just denying their official request back in October.

5/24/2009 1:54:30 AM

Quote :

"Liberty University is completely ridiculous."

5/24/2009 10:06:44 AM

Quote :

"Liberty University"

the most ironic name ever

5/24/2009 11:28:20 AM

On two counts, amirite?!?

5/24/2009 11:37:35 AM

Don't get me wrong... I said that the name was questionable and perhaps a poor choice, but is it really ironic?
After all, like I said, liberty cuts both ways....

(Liberty doesn't mean that one can do anything, anywhere, anytime....)

[Edited on May 24, 2009 at 12:02 PM. Reason : ]

5/24/2009 11:53:46 AM

Quote :

"the Democrat party"

apparently no one else caught this, but you know good and well that its Democratic party. this is a subtle trick talking heads have been playing for a long time, so it was either intentional or you have been listening to too much rush

5/24/2009 12:46:32 PM

^ i don't get why some democrats complain about such a trivial attack "tactic"... who gives a shit if they call it the "Democrat" party? Complaining about it just gives them more ammo to be able to further trivialize the issues.

5/24/2009 12:50:02 PM

i remember at one point a couple of years ago, Liberty supposedly banned their basketball team from playing video games

5/24/2009 1:06:06 PM

would not surprise me if they banned EVERYONE from playing video games because we all know that all violence and evil is caused by video games.

5/24/2009 1:10:23 PM

From the "On Campus Living Guide":

Quote :

"The playing of video games that are “A” and “RP” -rated is not permitted, and is a reprimandable offense. The playing of “EC”, “E”, and “T”-rated games are permitted but should be played with discretion. Any “M” -rated games with descriptors indicating any sexual content, alcohol/drug content, or strong language are not permitted, and is a reprimandable offense. “M”-rated games depicting violence will be at the discretion of Resident Directors. Liberty University refers to the Bible for all moral standards."

5/24/2009 1:24:10 PM

I like how foul language is flat-out banned, but you can ask your RA for permission if the game only involves killing people.

5/24/2009 1:26:17 PM

onward christian soldiers and whatnot

5/24/2009 1:27:09 PM

wow that is more lenient than i would have guessed.

5/24/2009 1:33:21 PM

Quote :

"Any “M” -rated games with descriptors indicating any sexual content, alcohol/drug content, or strong language are not permitted, and is a reprimandable offense. “M”-rated games depicting violence will be at the discretion of Resident Directors. Liberty University refers to the Bible for all moral standards.""

I like how games involving Evil Drugs , people discussing OH MY FUCKING GOD SEX , and using DIRTY CURSE WORDS are banned. Games though that depict KILLING PEOPLE is OK through gods moral standards as inferred by the bible. I bet if the people being killed are jews, homosexuals, arabs, or atheists the Liberty University probably encourages the game being played.

5/24/2009 4:17:46 PM

Nah, that would be Bob Jones U.

5/24/2009 5:10:45 PM

If the old testament were ever made into a movie verbatim... It would be rated x

5/24/2009 6:48:35 PM

Who would even want to attend one of these ultra-conservative Puritanical fascist schools???
You'd think he an evangelical christian young adult after living under mommy and daddy for 18 years would enjoy a little bit of breathing room that Liberty and Bob Jones wouldn't allow.

This is the student rules at Bob Jones Univesrsity....

Quote :

"Some of these are based directly on the University's interpretation of the Bible...."

Quote :

" Dishonesty, lewdness, sensual behavior, adultery, homosexuality, sexual perversion of any kind, pornography, illegal use of drugs[/u, and [u]drunkenness—all are clearly condemned by God's word and prohibited here."

Where in the bible is this explicitly condemned?

Quote :

"possession of hard-core pornography, use of alcohol or drugs, "

Sounds pretty lame university

Quote :

"and participating in a public demonstration for a cause the University opposes."

So much for 1st amendment rights and supporting America of Freedom

I think its kinda ironic that evangelical christians are some of the most outspoken war hawks when it comes to blowing up arabs and looking tough to Iran. Except for giving faith to a different dead guys the social views of ultra-conservative Christians do not sound to much different that those in the Mid-East advocating Shia law.

Quote :

"For instance, rules include the requirement that freshman and sophomore resident hall students sign out before leaving campus and that all resident hall students abide by curfew. Students are forbidden to go to movie theaters or listen to contemporary popular music. [130] Men are required to wear conservative hairstyles, and facial hair is prohibited"

LOL

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Jones_University#Student_rules

[Edited on May 24, 2009 at 7:03 PM. Reason : L]

5/24/2009 7:02:03 PM

I think the really interesting point is that the Republican party is so down-and-out with young people that this evangelical christian college has students that don't just identify as Democrats, but they're willing to express that in a club.

5/24/2009 7:49:48 PM

Quote :

"If this situation were reverse the card-toting republicans like hooksaw would be shitting a brick about their rights and constitution."

HUR

For the millionth time, I'm not a Republican. And what Liberty University has done is absolutely wrong.

Clearly, my point was that I haven't heard the same "outrage" when conservatives have been silenced or otherwise made to feel unwelcome on liberal campuses across the country. And please stop trolling.

5/24/2009 10:44:44 PM

Quote :

"For the millionth time, I'm not a Republican."

What are you? I don't pay close enough attention to your old man rants to try and read between the lines.

5/24/2009 10:56:35 PM

"Unaffiliated."

5/24/2009 11:19:33 PM

Quote :

"Any “M” -rated games with descriptors indicating any sexual content, alcohol/drug content, or strong language are not permitted, and is a reprimandable offense. “M”-rated games depicting violence will be at the discretion of Resident Directors. Liberty University refers to the Bible for all moral standards."

That statement is either inaccurate, or very disturbing.

5/24/2009 11:30:39 PM

Quote :

"Clearly, my point was that I haven't heard the same "outrage" when conservatives have been silenced or otherwise made to feel unwelcome on liberal campuses across the country."

Enlighten us with a University that has banned College Republicans.

5/25/2009 1:27:07 AM

Quote :

"what Liberty University has done is absolutely wrong."

No. No, it's not. As much christian-bashing as I've done on this site, it should be clear that I don't agree with what they're doing, but we are two different private entities. I am entitled to my own views, can disallow behavior or people from my private property, and can disallow affiliation with my private name. Likewise, they are entitled to their own views, can disallow behavior or people from their private property, and can disallow affiliation with their private name. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH PRIVATE STAYING PRIVATE.

Please... nastoute, hooksaw, and others who think that Liberty University having these policies is [universally] wrong, please explain why you think that. (Remember: public ≠ private.... In other words, I, and my private life, my personal views, me -- I think the policy is stupid. -- I would allow all groups were it my college. I'd allow video games, too. BUT IT'S NOT MY COLLEGE, THEREFORE MY PERSONAL PRIVATE VIEWS ARE IRRELEVANT, AND UNLESS IT'S YOUR COLLEGE, YOUR PERSONAL PRIVATE VIEWS ARE IRRELEVANT, TOO.)

5/25/2009 7:47:32 AM

^^ You used the word "Republican"--I didn't. Conservatives have been punished in various forms and otherwise made to feel unwelcome on liberal campuses for decades--and any rational person knows this full well.

As I indicated, look here to do your own research (examples are many):

http://www.thefire.org/

In addition, the recent shouting down and halting of Tom Tancredo's speech at UNC is one example that immediately comes to mind. Was he allowed to freely express his ideas? The answer is self-evident.

^ And, yes, while private and public institutions operate under somewhat different rules, if you will, I believe the following holds true for both:

1. Individuals have a right to associate to further political and social views.

2. I also believe in and work to support academic freedom for all. And academic freedom can only be fully realized when individuals have the rights to free expression, opinion, and association.

5/25/2009 8:54:00 AM