The Democratic party in the USA is the winner of last year’s elections. It is the biggest party. It includes President Barack Obama.
Left critics of the US Democrats describe it as one of two parties of Unites States big business. Maybe willing to make some minor pro worker changes in US capitalism; but certainly unwilling to replace capitalism by a fairer society.
Now, a Chistian fundamentalist university in the USA, with a reputation of racism, calling itself, of all things, “Liberty University“, is taking away the right of free speech from the student branch of President Obama’s party. Apparently, they think a two party system with both parties pro capitalism is not dictatorial enough, as they want a one party system.
One shudders when thinking of what happens to communist students, socialist party students, anarchist students, etc. etc. at such universities at the hands of extremist religious wingnut petty tyrants.
From the Young Democrats of America in the USA:
The administration of Jerry Falwell‘s Liberty University this week disbanded the Young Democrats chapter on campus. I have no doubt that this letter will speak for itself so I have included it in full below. If you believe, as I do, that these students deserve the same opportunity as the College Republicans and every other student group on campus to express their First Amendment rights, please sign the petition and make a contribution to show your support for the Young Democrats at Liberty University.Democratically yours,
David Hardt
YDA President———————————————
Sent by Liberty University VP for Student Affairs, Mark Hine
I must inform you that the College democrats’ club is no longer going to be recognized as a Liberty University club. We are unable to lend support to a club whose parent organization stands against the moral principles held by Liberty University. I expressed these concerns when we met, earlier in the spring semester.
The Liberty Way states, “It is the duty of every student to respect Liberty’s Statement of Doctrine and Purpose. They may not engage in any activity on or off campus that would compromise the testimony or reputation of the University or cause disruption to Liberty’s Christian learning environment.”
The Liberty University School of Law had been working on a policy to govern their clubs and organizations for quite some time. They have now completed that policy and we have adopted it for Liberty University as well. Now that it has been adopted and will apply to all clubs and organizations, it is clear that this club does not comply.
Below is a copy of the policy which governs clubs and organizations at Liberty University. This policy is posted on the website.
“STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS POLICIES
Student clubs or organizations must request and receive permission from the Liberty University administration before they may meet on campus, advertise, distribute or post materials, or use any University facilities for their activities or events. All such clubs or organizations and their activities or events must be consistent with the University’s mission, and must be and remain in compliance with the Liberty Way, the Honor Code, and any policies or procedures promulgated by the University. The University reserves the right to refuse the use of its facilities for any reason to any student club, organization, activity or event.
Consistent with the Honor Code, all students, student clubs and organizations, faculty and staff of Liberty University, have a responsibility to uphold the moral and ethical standards of this institution and personally confront those who do not.
No student club or organization shall be approved, recognized or permitted to meet on campus, advertise, distribute or post materials, or use University facilities if the statements, positions, doctrines, policies, constitutions, bylaws, platforms, activities or events of such club or organization, its parent, affiliate, chapter or similarly named group (even if the similarly named group is not the actual parent, affiliate or chapter) are inconsistent or in conflict with the distinctly Christian mission of the University, the Liberty Way, the Honor Code, or the policies and procedures promulgated by the University.”
Even though this club may not support the more radical planks of the democratic party, the democratic party is still the parent organization of the club on campus. The Democratic Party Platform is contrary to the mission of LU 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). The candidates this club supports uphold the Platform and implement it. The candidates supported are directly contrary to the mission of LU. By using LU or Liberty University and Democrat in the name, the two are associated and the goals of both run in opposite directions.
We are removing the club from the Liberty website and you will need to cease using Liberty University’s name, including any logo, seal or mark of Liberty University. They are not to be used in any of your publications, electronic or internet, including but not limited to, any website, Facebook, Twitter or any other such publication.
If you have questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Mark Hine
VP for Student Affairs
Liberty University
See also here.
Falwell university’s tax-exempt status questioned after banning Democratic club: here.
Liberty University Seminary President Accused Of Fabricating Life Story: here.
Liberty University Dean Demoted After AlterNet Investigation: here.
Jerry Falwell-Founded Liberty University Gets Half a Billion in Federal Aid, Teaches Creationism: here.
USA: Free Speech in Rhode Island? Gotta Register: here.
