Where Liberty University Gets Its Money

Via the Washington Post:

Liberty University is not just your average school down the road. The once small Christian college founded in 1971 by the Rev. Jerry Falwell now has the largest student body of any private nonprofit university in the country. With over 70,000 students, the university has become a destination for political candidates seeking the GOP’s more conservative favor. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) kicked off his campaign during a convocation at Liberty. In May, former Florida governor Jeb Bush (R) followed in the footsteps of John McCain and Mitt Romney by giving Liberty’s commencement address. The irony: The exponential growth of Liberty University has been fueled by billions in federal student aid made possible by President Obama and congressional Democrats. In the late 1990s, Liberty students received less than $20 million in aid. Students now receive over $800 million dollars a year in federal aid. As with any federal financial aid, the grants and loans are awarded to students, not the university. Liberty does not receive any other federal funds, but its growth has come by attracting Christian students who qualify for aid.

About 75% of Liberty University's students are "distance learners" who take online courses. (Tipped by JMG reader BKMN)

Easiest Languages To Learn

According to the US State Department. More difficult languages are here.

Baylor University Drops Sexual Conduct Policy Reference To "Homosexual Acts"

Via the Waco Tribune:

Baylor University has dropped language in its sexual conduct policy specifically outlawing sexual relationships between same-sex partners, though the university does not appear to be endorsing gay and lesbian couples or sex outside of marriage. The university’s sexual misconduct policy previously listed “homosexual acts” among the sexually related conduct that could prompt disciplinary action, along with adultery, fornication, incest, sexual abuse, harassment and assault. But that clause is dropped under a new sexual conduct policy approved by Baylor’s Board of Regents at its last meeting. The policy now no longer outlines specific actions that would be considered violations. Instead, it simply states that, “Baylor will be guided by the biblical understanding that human sexuality is a gift from God and that physical sexual intimacy is to be expressed in the context of marital fidelity,” and that students, faculty and staff relationships should be consistent with that position.

Back in 2013 the school's student government voted to replace "homosexual acts" with "deviate sexual conduct." That change was vetoed by the student government president. (Tipped by JMG reader Rob)

Tweet Of The Day - Big Gay Ice Cream

Big Gay Ice Cream has two Manhattan locations, one in Philadelphia, and one about to open in Los Angeles.

Study On Same-Sex Marriage Opinions Retracted After False Data Allegations

Via Politico:

One of the authors of a recent study which claimed that short conversations with gay people could change minds on same-sex marriage has retracted it. The retraction this week of the popular article published in a December issue of the Science academic journal follows revelations that his co-author allegedly faked data for the study, “When contact changes minds: An experiment on transmission of support of gay marriage.” According to academic watchdog Retraction Watch, Columbia University political science professor Donald Green published a retraction of the paper on Tuesday after confronting co-author Michael LaCour, a graduate assistant at UCLA.

The study received widespread media coverage from The New York Times, Vox, The Huffington Post, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and others, when it was released in December. “I am deeply embarrassed by this turn of events and apologize to the editors, reviewers, and readers of Science,” Green told the blog. In an email to POLITICO, Green said that he spoke with LaCour by phone on Tuesday, and that he “maintained that he did not fabricate the data but told me that he could not locate the Qualtrics source files for the surveys on the Qualtrics interface or on any of his drives.”Qualtrics is the survey firm that purportedly conducted the original study. “I asked him to write a retraction, and he indicated he would do so, but when it did not appear last night, I sent off my own retraction,” Green wrote.

Haters are pouring into the comments at the above link. (Tipped by JMG reader Richard)

NEVADA: Anti-Bullying Bill Approved

Via the Associated Press:

The Nevada Legislature on Wednesday passed a sweeping anti-bullying measure supported by Gov. Brian Sandoval despite some Republican concerns that it was rushed. Assembly members voted 36-6 on Wednesday to approve SB 504. The measure, which includes protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, now heads to Sandoval’s desk for final approval. The bill revises the definition of bullying and creates a separate anti-bullying office within the Nevada Department of Education. It would also strengthen reporting requirements for bullying incidents, and create a 24-hour hotline and a website for submitting complaints. Once signed into law, twenty states plus the District of Columbia will have state laws that specifically protect LGBT students from bullying, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

The bill establishes a separate anti-bullying office in the state government and requires the creation of a hotline and website for students and parents to submit complaints.

Todd Starnes: Children Are Learning About LGBT Rights Instead Of American History

"Public schools these days are busy teaching kids about the birds and the bees and whether they might be LGBT or Q. But they might want to consider giving equal time to American history, geography and civics. The results of a national test shows that most American eighth graders are struggling in all three subjects. It's called the Nation's Report Card - a test administered by the National Assessment of Educational Progress and they discovered that kids are just not progressing. The sad reality is that most American teenagers don't know the difference between Abraham Lincoln and a Lincoln Continental. They're more apt to know who George Clooney is than George Bush. And the experts say it could - - jeopardize our nation's future. How can we expect to form a more perfect union - when kids can't tell the difference between capitalism and communism?" - Todd Starnes, posting to his Facebook page.

Catholic Site Launches Money Beg To "Defend" Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone

Via Catholic Vote:

A massive media campaign funded by millionaire “Catholics” in San Francisco is gaining ground. Their goal: take control of the Catholic schools and remove Archbishop Cordileone. Meanwhile lawyers are circling, with lawsuits expected soon. Archbishop Cordileone needs the help of every faithful Catholic right now. Can you chip in $20 to help the Archbishop? This support fund has been created by lay Catholics who support Archbishop Cordileone in his efforts to uphold the values of the Catholic Church in Archdiocesan schools. All collected proceeds will be given to the Archdiocese of San Francisco, for the express purpose of assisting the Archbishop with public relations, legal fees and any other costs directly associated with his efforts. CatholicVote.org has learned that PR mudslinger Sam Singer is now behind a massive effort to destroy the Archbishop. According to sources, Singer is using cooperating parents to paint a phony picture of discrimination and harm everywhere in the media.

According to the above-linked money beg, "hostile teachers" are planning to sue the archdiocese for employment discrimination.

Headline Of The Day

Abstinence-only totally works. (Tipped by JMG reader Thom)

VIDEO: At The Gay/Str8 Prom Date

Those gay/straight high school boys had their prom this weekend and Teen Vogue went along to document the evening.

(Tipped by JMG reader Mike)

IRELAND: Teachers Say Yes Equality

A little long, but you'll like this.

Str8 Prom D8

Via Huffington Post:

As a student council member at his high school, Anthony Martinez is often tasked with planning school dances. But the 17-year-old, who is gay, says that he “never [gets] asked.” Until now, that is. Martinez, who attends Desert Oasis High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, shared on Twitter this week that he was asked to prom by someone entirely unexpected. It was his best friend, Jacob Lescenski -- who is straight. Lescenski told New Now Next that he had decided to surprise Martinez with the promposal after seeing his friend tweet about wanting a date for the event. “I decided on going to prom alone because my original date idea didn’t work out so well,” he said. “Then one night I saw Anthony, who is my best friend, tweeting about wanting a date. So, I came up with the poster idea, asked my friend Mia to make it and asked him that next day … It was a giant surprise to everyone, especially Anthony!” A thrilled Martinez expressed his gratitude to his BFF on social media.

Hella cute.

INDIANA: School Fires Coach Over Threat To Burn Down Anti-Gay Pizza Parlor

Via the Indianapolis Fox affiliate:

A northern Indiana school district says it has fired a coach who tweeted about burning down a pizza shop after its owners said they wouldn’t cater a gay wedding because of their religious beliefs. Concord Community Schools Superintendent Wayne Stubbs confirmed to The Goshen News that Jessica Dooley was terminated on Monday. Dooley had been suspended since April 1 after she suggested burning down Memories Pizza in Walkerton over the owners’ support for a new religious objects law that critics called anti-gay. Fallout over the law sparked boycotts of Indiana and led lawmakers to revise its language to address concerns that it could be used as a legal defense for discrimination.

Local prosecutors are considering criminal charges.

MONTANA: Gov Signs Anti-Bullying Bill

Via the Associated Press:

It took more than 10 years, several proposals and countless stories from young people who have suffered, but on Tuesday, Montana joined every other state in the nation with an anti-bullying law. Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock signed the Bully Free Montana Act at Jefferson Elementary School in Helena. Bill sponsor Rep. Kim Dudik, Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau, students and their families joined Bullock for the signing of House Bill 284. "I am pleased that Montana will finally have a bullying-prevention law," Bullock said. "All too often, we've heard bullying is just a part of growing up. ... We know that isn't the case. (Students) just don't have to put up with that type of behavior."

(Tipped by JMG reader Mike)

Satan Loves The Day Of Silence

"It’s over for another year, but a sobering question should make every teacher, administrator and parent pause: what would Jesus think about the pro-homosexual Day of Silence? What would Jesus have said to those encouraging boys to deny manhood and believe the lie of effemininity? What would He say as girls are pushed toward that glorious day when they are old enough for amputation of healthy breasts and hormones to grow beards? Would the Lord nod in agreement with those who say it’s 'hate' to object to such harmful messages? Only Satan could write this stuff. The author of confusion has certainly devised a way to enter the public schools and paint faithful Christians as the enemy and advocates of deviance as heroes protecting children. At the name of Christ, Satan will flee, if schools would only call on Him." - Hate group leader Linda Harvey, writing for BarbWire.

PITTSBURGH: High School Students Wear Flannel To Mark "Anti-Gay Day"

It's probably no coincidence that this happened on the day before today's anti-bullying Day Of Silence. Via the Pittsburgh NBC affiliate:

A Pittsburgh-area school district is investigating allegations of harassment involving students. Several parents and students from McGuffey High School in Washington County have reached out to Channel 11 News voicing concern about a so-called “Anti-Gay Day” allegedly organized by some students. A group of students allegedly spread the news that if they were “Anti-Gay,” they were to wear a flannel shirt and write “Anti-Gay” on their hands. Below is a statement from Dr. Erica Kolat, the superintendent of McGuffey School District. “Yesterday afternoon, April 16, 2015, allegations of harassment were brought to the attention of our administration. McGuffey School District, along with school police officers, continue to investigate all allegations. We will follow our Student Code of Conduct, and file legal citations, as warranted. We resolve to ensure that all chi

The photo appears to have been taken from Instagram. (Tipped by JMG reader JB)

LOUISIANA: Lesbian High School Student Wins Battle To Wear Tuxedo To Her Prom

From the NCLR:

Today, Carroll High School Principal Patrick Taylor and Monroe City School Board President Bishop Rodney McFarland Sr. contacted Claudetteia Love, who is being represented by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), to inform her that she will be allowed to wear a tuxedo to her senior prom on April 24. Last week, Claudetteia, 17, was told by Principal Taylor that she would not be allowed to attend her prom if she wore a tuxedo. Geraldine Jackson, Claudetteia’s mother, met with Principal Taylor to discuss this further and was reportedly told that “girls wear dresses and boys wear tuxes, and that's the way it is.” Principal Taylor also reportedly claimed that approximately half of the faculty scheduled to work at the prom would refuse to chaperone if Claudetteia were permitted to wear a tuxedo. Claudetteia and several of her friends originally planned on attending the prom together, but, because of the school’s refusal to allow Claudetteia to wear a tuxedo, have opted not go to the prom unless the school changes its discriminatory policy. The negative response against Principal Taylor’s decision was swift. Two members of the Monroe County Board of Education, which oversees Carroll High School, vowed to ensure that Claudetteia would be allowed to wear a tuxedo to her prom.

Love's mother: "I am proud of Claudetteia for standing up for her right to wear a tuxedo to prom and for being true to herself."

LOUSIANA: Lesbian High School Student Told She Can't Wear Tuxedo To Her Prom

Via the Monroe News-Star:

Carroll High School senior Claudetteia Love, an openly gay student and top academic scholar, won't attend the school's prom this year because the school won't allow her to wear a tuxedo. The school says it's simply a dress code, but Love said the school's prohibition is more about her sexual orientation than her fashion choices. Friday, she sat quietly crying in her living room as she talked about missing one of the signature events of her senior year. The prom is April 24. "I told my mom, 'They're using me. They put me in all these honors and advanced placement classes so I can take all of these tests and get good grades and better the school, but when it's time for me to celebrate the fact that I've accomplished what I need to accomplish and I'm about to graduate, they don't want to let me do it, the way I want to," she said.

Love has earned a full academic scholarship to Jackson State University. The head of the local school board has vowed to attempt to intervene on her behalf.

Alma Mater Of Sodomite Suppression Act Author Declines To Condemn Referendum

Christian activist Matt McLaughlin, author of the Sodomite Suppression Act, graduated from law school at Virginia's George Mason University. Today the Washington Post published their reaction:

Emails to various members of the Mason community have informed us that Matthew McLaughlin, a 1998 graduate of this law school, has filed a ballot initiative in California where he has apparently lived for the past seventeen years. The effect of this initiative, if it were enacted by voters, would be to amend the state’s Constitution by enacting a bill of attainder (the “Sodomite Suppression Act”). Among other things, this act would impose the condition of outlawry on gay and lesbian people in California, thus withdrawing from them the protection of law and allowing them to be killed out of hand, by anyone at any time, with legal impunity.

Some correspondents have called upon the law school to repudiate this initiative – and Mr. McLaughlin. With respect, we must decline, as it is not the function of schools or other institutions to denounce things with which they have nothing to do. Law schools are not guarantors of the views or acts of their former students. No one ever suggested that Harvard Law School should repudiate the treason of Alger Hiss, or that the University of Puget Sound law school should disclaim murders committed by Ted Bundy. Responsibility for those crimes belongs to the criminals, not to the schools they attended. The same principle applies here. Mr. McLaughlin must answer for himself, and not we answer for him, concerning what he says or does. Of course individuals, speaking for themselves, remain free to express their own opinions if they so choose.

Another consideration contributes to the conclusion that we should stand to one side. Mr. McLaughlin’s filing suggests views that undeniably are out of keeping with the normal civilities of life. But so far as appears, they are also lawful and constitutionally protected expressions. Mr. McLaughlin has a right to say what he wants and to petition the government for redress of his grievances – and it is up to him to determine what aggrieves him. Other people have the same rights and are free to use them in a different way – including to criticize Mr. McLaughlin. And still others are free, for a variety of possible reasons, to refuse to be conscripted into a contretemps that has nothing to do with them.

There is real advantage, apart from the principles of constitutional law, in limiting how much one should discourage people from expressing even very revolting ideas if that is what is on their mind. Tolerance of this kind facilitates self-disclosure by those whose hearts are septic with senseless rage. So disclosed, respectable people can see who they are and simply avoid them. But if suppressed, they may nurture their loathing in afflicted silence, even as they continue to mingle freely in the world with less-stricken and unsuspecting souls.

Yesterday California Attorney General Kamala Harris filed a court request to quash the proposed ballot measure before it can proceed to the petition-gathering stage.

WASHINGTON: Catholic Archdiocese Joins Fight To Block DC Gay Rights Measure

Via the Washington Blade:

The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington signed on to a letter to members of the U.S. Senate on March 20 calling for Congress to block a D.C. bill that would protect LGBT students from discrimination at religious schools operating in the city. The letter, which was signed, among others, by Cardinal Donald Wuerl calls the Human Rights Amendment Act approved by the D.C. Council last year an attack on religious freedom, freedom of speech and freedom of association in the nation’s capital.

The letter also calls on Congress to kill another bill approved by the Council and signed by Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Act. That measure would prohibit D.C. employers from discriminating against employees based on their personal reproductive health choices, including a decision to have an abortion. D.C. Congressional Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton joined city officials in strongly disputing claims that the two bills would infringe on religious freedoms or freedom of speech. The Archdiocese of Washington oversees 139 Catholic parishes and 95 Catholic schools in D.C. and five counties in Maryland.

The campaign is being led by Ted Cruz. His "disapproval resolution" would require passage from both chambers of Congress and the signature of President Obama. Ain't gonna happen.