Faced with the scrutiny of church-state observers crying foul, Liberty University has altered its policy governing the recognition and official support of student political groups. After suspending the Student Democrats due to the platform of the Democratic National Committee, the school has decided to change course. Instead of reinstating the Democrats, however, now all partisan political organizations on campus will be ineligible for University funding and deemed "unofficial."
Of course, Chancellor Falwell seems to have left himself an out to continue allowing Liberty to offer more support for certain candidates, despite its tax-exempt status. (My emph. below)
Falwell said the previously suspended College Democrats “wouldn’t have to do anything” to be recognized under the new policy. Along with other stipulations, the policy allows unofficial clubs to use the university’s name, but they will not receive any college funding.
Also unofficial clubs that support candidates whose views are contrary to the university’s Christian mission will not lose their status, but will not be able to use the college’s facilities to endorse such candidates, Falwell said.
So some clubs (I wonder which?) may be able to use official Liberty University facilities to endorse certain candidates? But some other clubs (speculating….rhymes with Shmemocrats?) will not be so allowed?
The new policy, insofar as it leaves student political groups on equal terms, is the right formula for a religious school that claims a tax exemption and is barred from political campaigning. But suggesting there will still be more resources allowed for certain candidates but denying to others is a step backwards, and perhaps an even more blatant affront to the spirit of electioneering regulations than the previous blanket regulation of partisan activity. It remains to be seen just how Falwell intends to implement, or not, this aside about using the school's facilities for candidate endorsement. Stay tuned.
