(04-14-2014 09:33 AM)LUcanesfan Wrote:  

(04-14-2014 08:20 AM)Hitch Wrote:  Liberty brings way too much controversy to be a viable candidate. Until they shed their baggage (unlikely), they won't be seriously considered by a conference. Fair? Probably not, but that doesn't change the reality of the system they're attempting to operate in.

I agree that Liberty comes with baggage, but it would be fair to say all schools (in reference to realignment) comes with baggage.

What is Liberty's baggage? From listening to the message boards, I would say its political, educational (e.g. online education), doctrinal (belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman, does not believe in the 'big-bang' theory) and being a private-school.

Outside of all of those issues listed, the two that seem to come up the most are political and educational. In regards to educational, Liberty is not a "diploma mill". They are regionally accredited and have to follow rules and regulations like all regionally accredited universities despite being a private institution.

Politically, Liberty is conservative and most of its student body and alums happen to be Republicans. The real reason why Liberty is being held back is not because of doctrinal beliefs (BYU does quite fine with its beliefs and no one seems to mind except for the heads of the Pac 12.).

The real reason is because of Jerry Falwell and the Moral Majority movement. Some of the beliefs he had that he claimed were from God hurt folks like a knife. His son, Falwell, Jr. is trying to help mend things back together. Honestly speaking if and when Liberty moves up, it will be because of JFJR is more reserved than his dad and he seem to be more transparent to adjust to world issues.

I think ending overtly discriminatory employment practices and the providing better guidance as to the behavior of the Dean of the Law School are two areas where LU could improve. It makes little difference whether the offensive statements and outrageous advocacy (that goes well beyond simple opposition to marriage equality) is coming from the University President or the Dean of the Law School as both are representatives and leaders at the institution.

There are plenty of Conservative schools in FBS. There are plenty of religiously affiliated schools in FBS/D1. Its how LU applies its beliefs (and not the beliefs themselves) that is the real issue here. And that application goes well beyond that at BYU, Baylor, SMU, Boston College, Wake Forest, and Notre Dame.

While its true that Liberty's bid for FBS is damaged by Liberty's reputation richly earned by the actions and antics of Jerry Falwell Sr, its Liberty's current programs, policies and advocacy that causes much of the pushback today. If Liberty wants to be seen as a peer of SMU and Notre Dame, might I suggest they look at how their University Division leaders behave (such as Law School Deans, etc.) and what their policies and practices are.

On another note:

Why does Liberty put its student handbook/rules (e.g., the Liberty Way) behind a password protected wall? Are they ashamed of their student rules?