Liberty U. expels campus Democrats

Posted: Friday, May 22, 2009 1:06 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: States, Democrats

From NBC's Mark Murray

Liberty University, the school in Virginia founded by the late Jerry Falwell, has expelled the Democratic Party club on the campus, saying that the national Democratic Party's views contradict the university's mission. (Hat tip: Ben Smith.)

Said a school official in an email to the Democratic club, according to the Lynchburg (VA) newspaper: "The Democratic Party platform is contrary to the mission of Liberty University and to Christian doctrine (supports abortion, federal funding of abortion, advocates repeal of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, promotes the "LGBT" agenda, hate crimes, which include sexual orientation and gender identity, socialism, etc.)."

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe held a conference call with reporters in support of the Democrats at Liberty University.

Of course, one must ask: Just how many Dems attend Liberty?

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Comments

Whatever happened to freedom of speech?

KP, California (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:16 PM)

Face it-you have a hard time tolerating a viewpoint that is different from your own.
Dirty Words (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 12:16 PM)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eh…WRONG AGAIN my friend! What I have a HARD time with is the propaganda of right wing whack jobs who have absolutely NOTHING to offer but Distortions, Fear Mongering & Smear Campaigns Example #1 - the new little cheer the RNC has just adopted. Socialist! HA… half of the whack jobs don’t have a clue what that means but they are more than ready to spew it over & over again! Example #2 The winky ;0) Simpleton Sarah! Joe Not a Real Plumber et al…

I’m still at a loss as to why the GEENOPEE is as afraid of FACTS as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs!

I may not agree with the other side however – as long as they KEEP IT HONEST & REAL…. No I have no problems with them at all! The BS doesn’t magically become a FACT because Faux & Freaks (thanks for that one Eric) SAYS SO!

Have a Nice Day!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:16 PM)

'..
It is harder for a rich man to get into Heaven than it is for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle...'

What did the Bible say about USURY ??

Or bearing False Witness (Dick Cheney) ???

It MUST be a GREAT University !! ;-D
(their Department of Creationism is TOP NOTCH)

MSierra, SF (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:20 PM)

One more shred of proof that "Liberty" U neither promotes nor practices Liberty.

Joe - STL (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:22 PM)

I wonder if they receive any federal funds...if so they aer in serious trouble.

Okay you all, gotta go!

To all of the Veterans, those of you who have children, spouses, family members and friends, serving in our armed forces, thank you. I want to take this opportunity to ask each one of you to continue to pray for the safety of our servicemen and women and their families as they continue to serve as country.

Our nation is undertaking new challenges and prayer for our nation and our leaders would be a nice thing to do as well. To those Veterans (Terry, disabled Vet, special shout out) that have served our country with honor, my sincerest appreciation for your bravery and service.

And with this I bid each of you all a safe and Happy Memorial Day!

Ron, IN - Pat, Boston, - Nashville Fan, - Clara, KC –MFSierra -RickyKy Eric, Salinas, The Democratic Soldier, Paul Miller, Eagle 1776, LB, VA, Suburban Mom, IL, Sheila,Pikesville, Jawillie Anna Molly, Ego Trippin, WV, Pete,Albany, Juan, Ft Lauderdale, Brian Girard, OH, J Ellis, VA, AmyB, Portland, Beverly in Chicago, Gail, TN, Jody IA, Terry Disabled Vet, Jesse St, Paul,newdaydawning, Champ, Lumberton, TX, Tim Stockton, Highland Lakes NJ, Pat Huntington NY.

God Bless and God Bless America...

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:22 PM)

Wasn't liberty u where that clown bush lawyer yoo learned how to concoct a brief legalizing torture in the name of the lord, er I mean republicans?

Liberty U is a joke (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:24 PM)

Doesn't this mean that Liberty U is no longer tax exempt?

Joe - STL (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:24 PM)

Would it be possible to go through the judicial branch and fire each and every graduate of this rinky dink institution? Please?

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:25 PM)

This seems quite un-Christian...

Jesse (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:26 PM)

Those fascist cultists can live in their little Jesus bubble. The rest of us have work to do in the real world. What pathetic dopes religious people are. Grow up and realize there is NO SANTA CLAUS, children!

Dave, St. Pete, FL (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:26 PM)

Why the heck would any member democratic party go to a fundamentalist Baptist university in the first place?

Julie, Palm Desert, CA (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:26 PM)

About a dozen, all pro-Obama activists who organized the club in late 2008 & declared in their campus charter to work to change the party's platform to be pro-life & against gay marriage; one hot issue is whether ot not the University official told members of the group "you can't be a Democrat & a Christian" as they told the local paper--the official now denies it but it's a common comment on campus.

Ray Sonderstrom, Washington, DC (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:26 PM)

Was this the 'University' that Forbade 'Inter-racial dating'

It seems to me that came up a few years ago

Why am I not surprised ??

'...attacking the nominee for rulings based on separation of church and state.” ...'

From Think Progress:

'...Senate Republicans block vote on Obama judicial nominee.

Bloomberg reports today that “Republicans temporarily blocked Senate committee action on President Barack Obama’s first judicial appointment, attacking the nominee for rulings based on separation of church and state.” The GOP, led by Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), are attempting to challenge the fitness of U.S. District Judge David Hamilton of Indiana to be promoted to a federal appeals court in Chicago. Senate Democrats postponed a preliminary vote on Hamilton as the GOP raised objections to Hamilton, calling him “controversial” and “troubling.” As ThinkProgress has noted, Republicans have previously distorted Hamilton’s rulings regarding “non-sectarian prayers” in the Indiana House of Representatives...'

MSierra, SF (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:26 PM)

Isn't it interesting that Liberty U upholds the same values as most Terrorist Madrasas. The terrorists hate gays and freedom too.

Republiklan (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:26 PM)

Who cares? Liberty University is just a glorified clown school that tries to pass itself off as a legitimate institution of higher learning. These people are not exactly the sharpest tools in the shed here...

Dave, Baltimore (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:27 PM)

So Liberty University is okay with torture, pre-emptive wars without rationale, capital punishment, etc? Huh, who knew? Guess they practice a different kind of Christianity down in those parts.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:28 PM)

Gospels 1:26 "And Jesus said unto his deciples, go ahead and torture and kill people as long as they are different."

WWJT (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:28 PM)

Ahhh I love to see the religious right alienating itself more and more from modern day society...It warms my heart.

Mark,Seattle (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:29 PM)

Many mock these kinds of news-stories, but I would challenge the many folks (blacks, hispanics...etc) who mostly vote democratic while holding socially conservative or Christian viewpoints....arene't you tired of blank-check voting for a party that offends your biblical convictions? Isn't it time you tell the Dem party that it's radical pro-abortion and pro-gay and pro-Hollywood cultural bent won't cut it for you and you demand change? I'm not suggesting you need to be republican, but certainly isn't it time to tell the Dem party that they're rudderless moral agenda is unacceptable. By the way, just knowing the one of abortion's founders, Margaret Sanger of Planned Parenthood, was a blatant racist, ought to bother you enough.

Convictions--where are they? (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:31 PM)

Okay;
ACLU, Now you have a real case and it's time for U to get busy. Stop Whining about our President and do something else meaningful for civil rights, taxpayer dollars, struggling students, and families.

I'm Serious You people really upset me last. Just because the President's rhythm in not step with U; doesn't mean he is out of tune. WE all worked hard for him. Please for the love of our forefathers and our descendants give the man a change. He promised and it's only 5 months.

I understand your frustrations but can you support a person 100? If you say yes, then there's something wrong. Please stop making more complex issues. I don't have a background in law. Yet I think I've learned a lot more from his simple explanations of the legal ramifications yesterday than I could have learned in any class.

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:32 PM)

What kind of credibility does this give to anyone who earns a degree from this school?
I don't know a lot about this school but it doesn't seem like a degree from it would really prepare anyone for the real world.
Christians once again get confused with the issues. not all democrats are prochoice just like not all republicans are prolife...excuse me... That is until they try to run on a national platform.
Just to get the facts straight.
Does this mean they promote ignorance and intolerance?

dan Austin, tx (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:33 PM)

It's time to close UnLiberty University as they have violated federal antidiscrimination laws by discriminating against the Democratic Party Club. This unholy bible school founded by that deadbeat falwell freak shows us just how intolerant the evangelical christian lunatic fringe is. I'm surprised that any Democrat would attend such a pathetic excuse of higher learning in the first place and any parent who sends their kids to this sordid school must hate their kids.

I sure hope the Department of Education comes down on this unholy perversion of higher learning like a ton of bricks and closes the school for all time. We've seen the kind of graduates these bottom rung bible colleges produce like Miss Falsie CA or Monica Goodling and we must stop these perversions of higher learning from brainwashing college kids with their unholy religion!

Plus we need to stop that disgusting year of the bible bill as that violates separation of church and state and does indeed make the state favor one religion over all others.

Close UnLiberty University Now!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:34 PM)

This is good...

Now back to the South! Southners are not poor and uneducated. I guess my BS, MSN degree means nothing! I challenge any of you smart assed commentors to get one!
Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 12:44 PM)
__________

According to:

http://www.morganquitno.com/edrank.htm

Alabama was 43rd in education in 2005-06 and fell to 45th in 2006-07.

Guess you are the exception that proves the rule.
Congratulations
****************************************

I know so. So next time you take your behind to a physician...ask him where did he complete his residency...I am also proud to say that I have a Neice that just graduated from college and is now teaching and our first Great Nephew received a full scholarship to Sanford University. Our educational facilities are some of the best in the nation.

Personally, I received my first degree from Birmingham Southern College. I graduated high school when I was sixteen, started to college when I was seventeen, thanks to my moms permission for me to attend at such a young age....I am I tooting my horn? HELL YES!

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:36 PM)

IRONIC. A school called "Liberty University" is restricting their students' freedom to assemble and speak to one another.

SAD. This school does not foster reasoned discussion of differing views. This is exactly the kind of action that Obama addressed during the ND commencement speech when he said we should be "fair-minded" and treat other sides with respect.

SHAMEFUL. A so-called Christian university is so afraid of allowing a diversity of opinions that it must shut down a mainstream political organization. If you ask me, many of the values espoused in the Democratic platform such as inclusion, respect for women, and equal treatment for all are principles supported by the Bible.

I, for one, stand against these "Christians" who try to manipulate others' political views. The Republican party is not the only place for people of faith. I would NEVER join this party after what I saw during the last election and see now. I am taking back my Christian faith! Who joins me?

Bethie in TX (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:37 PM)

I guess this is another example of the Republican's Big Tent philosophy. No wonder the Rethugs are a dying party; it suffocates itself with ideas like this.

J. Ellis, Virginia (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:39 PM)

So Liberty? Universty are opposed to free speech, freedom of religion, and freedom to peacefully assemble. This is the sort of organization that the current Republican party supports and visa versa. No wonder they are losing big time.

They should change the name to Totalitarian University or University of Intolerance and Biggotry.

CINO University would also work. Christian In Name Only because they certainly aren't acting like Christians.

eagle1776 (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:39 PM)

Wow....as a university professor in the Hampton Roads area who allows free speech in MY classes, regardless of their positions and party affiliations, I am disgusted with Liberty and their narrow regard for the 1st Amendment. If they receive ANY state or federal dollars they need to be cut off now.

Doc K, Virginia Beach, VA (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:41 PM)

Real schools teach students "how" to think, Liberty University teaches students "what" to think.

(their Departmant of Creationism is TOP NOTCH, too funny, where else are reruns of the Flintstones used in the school's curriculum to prove there is no such thing as evolution? Oh yeah....Bob Jones.

Tek Jansen, saving the world (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:44 PM)

The Democratic party is NOT pro-abortion. Pro-choice doesn't equal pro-abortion. Making abortion illegal doesn't make it unavailable. It's not the right way to fight for the unborn. But "pro-life" people don't want to pay for the social reforms that would help bring about fewer abortions. They don't want to put their money where their mouth is.

They also aren't truly "pro-life" if they support torture, unjustifiable wars (Iraq), and the death penalty. They are simply "pro-birth". And once the child is born, he's on his own, as well as his mother. The father, apparently, has no responsibility.

Bethie in TX (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:44 PM)

Doesn't this mean that Liberty U is no longer tax exempt? Joe - STL (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:24 PM)
----------------------------------------------------

That would be a big yes my friend...well they should not be now. Plus did they refund the tuition to those they expelled?

Patriot Midwest U.S.A. (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:45 PM)

TX-Gov: $11 mil from stimulus to repair Perry's mansion

AUSTIN, Texas " While Gov. Rick Perry is criticizing Washington bailouts, state lawmakers are planning to use $11 million in federal stimulus money to help rebuild the badly burned Texas Governor's Mansion.

Approximately $10 million in state tax money will also be spent on a renovation, which is expected to cost about $20 million, officials said Thursday.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/5/22/734343/-TX-Gov:-$11-mil-from-stimulus-to-repair-Perrys-mansion

ADAY (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:47 PM)

Why they those students ever wanted to attend such a stupid, crappy school to begin with is the real mystery. The school was founded by one of the most unChristian "Christians" ever to grace the face of the planet. The student should get the "hell" out of 'Liberty'before they follow Jerry to the netheworld.

Mike, Philadelphia (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:48 PM)

Come on and some called Rev Wright over the top and those people money I bet was good while it lasted.

IVoted (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:49 PM)

Sue-Sue-Sue pay my education money back with interest plus pain and suffering.

Ivoted (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:51 PM)

Oh yeah, you right wingers are soooo grown up. You lose an election and you start throwing hissy fits. The left NEVER got this bad in 2000 or 2004 despite the stealing of the Presidency.

Grow up, already. You lost and instead of pointing fingers or getting mad at everyone else, take a good long hard look in the mirror. Until you stop doing childish things like this, you will never be taken seriously, and rightfully so.

Matthew, Houston, TX (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:52 PM)

Liberty U is a misnomer &/or an oxymoron.

larry lynch, allentown, pa (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:54 PM)

I forget, is Liberty a clown or barber college?

Ranger Smith, Jellystone (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:54 PM)

In other news, it was learned that the earth is roughly a sphere. Be sure to watch extremists try to shout each other down about this later today on "Hardball," only on MSNBC.

Joe Don, Topeka, KS (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:55 PM)

Feisty Redhead, Beverly, Chicago, Berthie, Tx, Eric, Salinas, CA, MSierra, SF and Jessee, Minnesota (my old home State), Keep the Gophers honest!

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 1:59 PM)

Just thought I'd throw in that there are many at LU that go there because: 1) it's the only place they could get into/make it through or 2) that's the only place mommy or daddy would pay for. I respect Jerry Falwell, as a Lynchburg native, for how much this city has grown, but I'm getting damn sick of the national attention we get only for the many ridiculous comments and/or policies to come from Liberty or the Falwells

Brandon, Lynchburg, VA (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 2:01 PM)

What idiots. Higher education is all about dialogue.

Katie, formerly of Lexington, VA (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 2:04 PM)

"Whatever happened to freedom of speech?"

Well, what ever happened to Freedom of Religion?! Liberty is a private, religious university, you know.

They also have the right and freedom to be wrong too, bye the way.

Tito, Dallas, TX (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 2:04 PM)

How many Dems attend Liberty University?

Probably fewer after today's poor decision!

Bethie in TX (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 2:04 PM)

It is ironic that a university named "Liberty" should expel a mainstream political club from its campus just because the university does not agree with the club's ideals. Perhaps Liberty University should be renamed something more fitting. Does Fascist University sound good?

Chris, Midlothian, VA (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 2:05 PM)

What is Liberty U and Falwell afraid of? Free speech apparently is allowed only if you are republican and agree with them. Sound familiar? Seems they should expel the Republican and other political groups as well or else they are are guilty of discrimination.

It doesn't matter how many democrats attend the university, what matters is the right to disagree. For too many years, republicans have behaved as if they are the only ones who have relgious beliefs and as if theirs is the only true faith.

I'm a Christian and a democrat. I believe in separation of church and state which is what our constitution established. I disagree with much of the republican platform but I wouldn't demand they be removed from the college campus I attended. They have a right to their beliefs but not a right to use religion to discriminate against those who disagree. The bible teaches tolerance yet many who claim to be religious are far from tolerant.

Jody, Iowa (Sent Friday, May 22, 2009 2:07 PM)

I just read that Liberty University did NOT ban the Democratic club. For more information read the Op-ed posted by Liberty University and the article on the meeting that took place with the Democratic club. These are found on Liberty University website.

Kel, Lynchburg (Sent Friday, May 29, 2009 11:09 AM)

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