While Jerry Falwell, Jr., the President of Liberty University, spends his days defending Donald Trump — despite the candidate’s bragging about sexually assaulting women, multiple marriages, bigotry, racism, and constant stream of lies — it appears that his students don’t get the same kind of freedom.

When Liberty student Joel Schmieg wrote an article for the school newspaper denouncing Trump, Falwell personally struck it from the paper before publication.

Schmieg called Falwell’s actions with his column “definitely very hypocritical.” “In a recent statement from Liberty University President Jerry Falwell, on students speaking their minds for Donald Trump, Jerry said, ‘It is a testament to the fact that Liberty University promotes the free expression of ideas unlike many major universities where political correctness prevents conservative students from speaking out,’” Schmieg wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday. Schmieg then called Falwell’s quote “amusing” and posted his column on his personal Facebook page.

It’s also incredibly infantilizing to see Falwell hovering over his students, not allowing them to express themselves. It’s not new, though. Several years ago, Falwell blocked a Young Democrats club from forming on campus because they supported politicians whose beliefs were “contrary to the mission of LU and to Christian doctrine.”

But Donald Trump passes that test?

The Daily Beast ultimately published the article that Falwell wanted to censor. It comes on the heels of a petition by students calling themselves “Liberty United Against Trump” which said they did not share the political views of Falwell and were embarrassed by the fact that he was coasting on the school’s credibility to boost Trump’s campaign.

It’s good to see Liberty students backing Schmieg in this controversy, too. Check out what another newspaper staffer told POLITICO:

“I understand Joel’s frustration regarding the situation,” Cierra Carter, the opinion editor for the Liberty Champion, told POLITICO. “Our president has been very vocal with his opinions during this election season and we’d like that same privilege.”

There’s another option, too. They could transfer to a real college where they’re encouraged to think for themselves instead of punished for daring to challenge whatever the President thinks. That would require stepping outside their Christian bubble, though.

In the meantime, go Liberty students, go! Falwell can’t stop all of you from speaking out. And while he embarrasses himself on the campaign trail, what a wonderful sight it is to watch his students rise up against the worst aspects of the school.

(Screenshot via Fox News)



