A product of the JMC Network student media at Abilene Christian University

Cole,

I have honestly tried to think through how and/or why a peaceful protest objecting to the use of an ACU facility for a political fund-raising event, whose choice of keynote speaker is one of our country’s most controversial politicians, on both sides of that so-called “aisle”, would lead to comments regarding abortion.

Forgive my ignorance of the well-known facts to which you referred. I did spend quite a bit of time researching this issue, and though I suppose we could swap links on this issue for decades, I am more concerned about the following:

Your automatic assumption that you know how these students and faculty members feel about the issue of abortion is judgmental, disrespectful, and hurtful. If we must resort to divisive stereotypical labels, not all “democrats” are strictly “pro-choice”, and not all “republicans” are strictly “pro-life”. Why any Christian, especially on our campus, would publicly judge the morality of another, based purely on their “political registration” saddens me so deeply.

The purpose of the protest was not about abortion, and as the mother of an adopted child, I am literally shedding tears that you, my Christian colleague, have passed judgment on my soul, my husband, and these precious students who care about ACU.

You have every right to wonder where the outrage for abortion lies. I would contend, however, that as a Christian University, we should not allow “political rhetoric” to determine our personal morality, nor the morality of others.

Jennifer

Dr. Bennett,

1. For an ACU faculty member to call the approved actions of these very bright ACU students “tragic” is the real tragedy here. Since you stated you did not disagree with Ms. Ashley’s one general statement regarding Mr. Rove’s political history, I am puzzled as to why you felt it necessary to provide a list of your personal misgivings with the particular issues you raised; all of which are serious and complex issues that should not be “listed as fact” without any supporting documentation or discussion.

2. ACU did not invite faculty members or students to attend this event, and as such, does not equate with your comment concerning ACU’s encouragement for faculty and students to attend the inauguration; and, I am unclear to whom you refer to as “ACU”, because now I’m mad I missed the van!

3. Finally, as the article clearly states, the student’s primary concern was “the university’s decision to host what they call “divisive” characters in a non-academic format is inappropriate, regardless of political affiliation”.

4. Dr. Bennett, surely we can all agree that there are many “persons” whose ideologies differ from the biblical principles ACU strives to abide. Our students will encounter countless debates, disagreements, and even hate as they journey through their lives. To teach our students how to peacefully stand up and speak out, on any type of controversial issue, is what ACU needs to do more of. If ACU does not prepare our students to face a divided and defensive world, and even sadly, a divided campus, that would indeed be tragic.

Jennifer Dillman, Ph.D.

I would like to note that I do agree with most of what you said. My previous response was more of a response to me observing at least 6 different groups on campus, most of which in passing, who viewed your article as a passive aggressive attack on those who are trying to improve campus through voicing concern and dislike of things that are important to them.