Radical right angry that colleges are promoting "respect [for] the dignity of all persons"

Holy cow! Next thing you know those darn colleges are going to tell us women have the right to vote and black people can swim in our pools.

Seriously, get a load of some of the examples of college academic rules that the religious right is outraged over:

  • A ban on "insults, taunts, or challenges directed toward another person" (Appalachian State University).
  • A practice of outlawing "statements of intolerance" (North Carolina Central University).
  • A requirement that all students "respect the dignity of all persons" and "strive for the openness to learn from differences in people" (UNC Asheville).
  • A policy outlawing "disrespect for persons" (UNC Greensboro).

Now, it may come as no surprise that this story comes from the Muslim-hating, gay-hating, and Jew-loving-so-long-as-two-thirds-of-you-die-in-the-rapture American Family Association, one of the top religious right groups.

But seriously, how twisted are these self-proclaimed holier-than-thou pseudo-religious groups that they feel threatened by campus codes that require students to "respect the dignity of all persons" and "strive for the openness to learn from differences in people." What exactly are conservative Christian activists promoting that they’re afraid of these kind of campus policies? Short of the Klan, or a rude drunk fratboy, I can’t imagine who would have a problem with campus policies that promote "respect and dignity."

What would Jesus do? Send a few lightning bolts their way, I suspect. As I’ve said before, I think God cries when he bothers to look down on us.

B. John

Records and Content Management consultant who enjoys good stories and good discussion. I have a great deal of interest in politics, religion, technology, gadgets, food and movies, but I enjoy most any topic. I grew up in Kings Mountain, a small N.C. town, graduated from Appalachian State University and have lived in Atlanta, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Dayton and Tampa since then.