Liberty University has responded to accusations from two U.S. congressmen after a letter they sent to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos earlier this week included false statements and erroneous conclusions about the university.
The letter from Rep. Andy Levin, D-Mich., and Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., contained allegations of censorship within the Department of Education, stating that DeVos failed to act against institutions in violation. The congressmen wrongly claimed that Liberty’s policies violate the First Amendment, Title IX, and a recent executive order regarding free speech on campus.
In Liberty’s response, also sent to DeVos, President Jerry Falwell said the congressmen’s letter demonstrates “a fundamental lack of understanding of the scope and purpose” of federal laws governing private universities.
“Unlike most of its counterparts in the United States, Liberty University actually promotes free speech and free expression. Using its own resources, Liberty University invites conservatives and liberals, as well as Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians and Independents to its regular student Convocation forums and Commencement ceremonies,” Falwell said.