In an effort to “preserve the University’s cultural heritage, to protect its students from foreign influences and radicalization, and to prevent potential mass school shootings,” the dean of Southern Methodist University, Thomas Coke, recently issued an executive policy that the school would no longer accept applications for admission from residents of Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming, and American Samoa. The dean indicated that the policy had been developed in conjunction with the University’s office of admissions, the school’s student body presidencies, and its Board of Directors.
Previously, as long as potential applicants were willing and able to adhere to the University’s strict standards, Southern Methodist University had been known as a champion for its liberal policy on matriculating students from diverse backgrounds.
Understandably, as soon as this policy was announced, several student protests arose and other alumni groups decried the policy as a “Mormon ban.” They indicated that with appropriate vetting, good ideas would always prevail over bad ones, thus eliminating any need for a Mormon ban.
Notwithstanding their concerns, University spokesperson, John Wesley, stated that the policy was not a Mormon ban. He claimed that other independent bodies had previously identified the targeted geographical areas (where, coincidentally, the nation’s highest percentage of Mormons reside) as states with the highest percentage of individuals harboring radical anti-federal sentiments, and individuals with strong beliefs against other Christian sects.
However, investigative journalists uncovered several audio and videotapes of school officials, including dean Thomas Coke, and his spokesperson, John Wesley, advocating for a “Mormon ban.” Moreover, dean Coke was overheard asking the University’s legal counsel how he could legally engage in a “Mormon ban,” or at least give it the appearance of legality.
School officials were contacted for comment prior to publishing this article and declined an interview.
Loren M. Lambert © January 31, 2017
Previously, as long as potential applicants were willing and able to adhere to the University’s strict standards, Southern Methodist University had been known as a champion for its liberal policy on matriculating students from diverse backgrounds.
Understandably, as soon as this policy was announced, several student protests arose and other alumni groups decried the policy as a “Mormon ban.” They indicated that with appropriate vetting, good ideas would always prevail over bad ones, thus eliminating any need for a Mormon ban.
Notwithstanding their concerns, University spokesperson, John Wesley, stated that the policy was not a Mormon ban. He claimed that other independent bodies had previously identified the targeted geographical areas (where, coincidentally, the nation’s highest percentage of Mormons reside) as states with the highest percentage of individuals harboring radical anti-federal sentiments, and individuals with strong beliefs against other Christian sects.
However, investigative journalists uncovered several audio and videotapes of school officials, including dean Thomas Coke, and his spokesperson, John Wesley, advocating for a “Mormon ban.” Moreover, dean Coke was overheard asking the University’s legal counsel how he could legally engage in a “Mormon ban,” or at least give it the appearance of legality.
School officials were contacted for comment prior to publishing this article and declined an interview.
Loren M. Lambert © January 31, 2017
No comments:
Post a Comment