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Associated Press/Photo by Steve HelberPresident Donald Trump poses with Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. in front of a choir at the school in Lynchburg, Va.Liberty grads protest Falwell Jr.’s unwavering support of President Trump
by Evan Wilt
Posted 8/21/17, 01:11 pm
Members of a Liberty University alumni group plan to return their diplomas to the school to protest Liberty President Jerry Falwell Jr.’s staunch defense of President Donald Trump’s comments about the violent Aug. 12 protest in Charlottesville, Va. A group of Liberty graduates on Thursday launched a Facebook page called “Return your diploma to LU,” calling for alumni to mail their diplomas back to Falwell by Sept. 5, along with letters of disapproval. As of midday Monday, the group had 323 members. Both Republicans and Democrats criticized Trump’s responses to the violence in Charlottesville—but not Falwell. “Finally a leader in WH,” Falwell tweeted last week. “Jobs returning, N Korea backing down, bold truthful stmt about #charlottesville tragedy. So proud of @realdonaldtrump.” Falwell further defended Trump’s Charlottesville response on Sunday talk shows and on Fox News’ Fox & Friends Monday morning. The president thanked Falwell for his support on Twitter. Falwell was one of the first evangelical leaders to endorse Trump for president in 2016. He has been an adviser and friend to the president ever since.
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Evan Wilt
Evan is a World Journalism Institute graduate and a former WORLD reporter.
Comments
Midwest preacher
Posted: Mon, 08/21/2017 06:46 pmI would gently suggest that now is not a good time for division (that is to say more division) especially when views expressed are generated under pressure from harsh and sometimes violent opposition. We must be compassionate but we must also be truthful even if some don't like it. Violence on either side is extremely troubling and while right wing hate groups have little support left wing hate groups are endorsed by many even by some who hold high offices.
Hans
Posted: Tue, 08/22/2017 06:24 amI wholeheartedly agree. We as Christians should be united in our rejection of this astonishingly incompetent administration, particularly when it comes to Trump's failure to condemn racism without equivocation. Anything less only continues to undermine our integrity as people supposedly committed to principle over politics.
GP
Posted: Tue, 08/22/2017 07:06 am"Joining" a BookFace group does not a movement make -- my guess is 75% are non-Liberty members. I'm doubtful even two will return their diplomas. Puuhhlleeasssee.
Brendan Bossard
Posted: Tue, 08/22/2017 01:53 pmDoes anyone know whether returning a diploma is anything more than a symbolic gesture? Would the returner still retain the degree?