Resolution on Liberty University College Democrats

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

(Arlington County Democratic Committee)

Whereas, the Liberty University chapter of the Young Democrats has been a well-run, recognized student organization at Liberty University, and

Whereas, the student members of this chapter have always conducted themselves in an exemplary and lawful manner, and

Whereas, in April 2009, this chapter received the Virginia Young Democrats' "Up and Coming Chapter" Award, and

Whereas, on May 15, Liberty University Vice President of Student Affairs, Mark Hine, said in an e-mail sent to the President of this chapter that the Liberty University Chapter is no longer going to be recognized as a club, because: "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;" and

Whereas, critical thinking and gaining the ability to evaluate conflicting points of view are perhaps the most valuable skills that a student can gain from a college education, and

Whereas, Liberty University continues to recognize and support a College Republican chapter on its campus, and

Whereas, Liberty University, as a tax exempt institution, is barred from intervening in elections or showing preference for one political party over another, and

Whereas, the suppression of political dissent and free thinking is the antithesis of "Liberty",

Therefore, on June 3, 2009, be it Resolved, that the Arlington County Democratic Party:

--condemns the actions of Liberty University as being contrary to fundamental precepts of democracy in the United States and contrary to the best interests of Liberty University students,

--calls upon the Board of Trustees of Liberty University to restore the Liberty University College Democrats to full status as a recognized student organization, and put the Liberty University College Democrats on the same footing as the Liberty University College Republicans, and

--urges the Internal Revenue Service to review Liberty University's tax exempt status.