(04-27-2016 06:47 PM)GE and MTS Wrote: (04-26-2016 02:21 PM)voss749 Wrote: BYU is very religious but they are not POLITICAL.
They even prohibit their administration from getting involved in political campaigns. They have a strict political neutrality policy.
And yet, BYU is being shunned by the PAC 12 and Big 12.
I wish Liberty wouldn't "endorse" candidates (I know they don't technically do as a non-profit, but they still do a *wink*wink thing), and I wish they got rid of the whole "politically incorrect" mentality. I don't want Liberty to conform to non-Christian beliefs, but I don't want them to continue going out of the way to spit in the face of opposition. I want Liberty to be endorsing ideals and messages rather than candidates.
Do I think Liberty's recent-ish gun control comments kept Liberty from joining a conference? No. Do I think Jerry Jr.'s endorsement of Trump kept Liberty from joining a conference? No. I don't think one particular issue or stance is against Liberty, it is the culmination of many and the resistance to change that keeps conferences away. As a Christian university, Liberty should emphasize the good that they are doing in the community and around the world, like this article: http://www.liberty.edu/aboutliberty/inde...PID=33810. Focus on being Christian, stay out of the political candidate spotlight, grow the school, improve the sports, and build alumni support.
The culmination of statements made by Jr. on guns, Muslims, political endorsements and more have create the perception by others that LU is a maverick. It's a perception that causes decision makers considering LU as a FBS member to ponder. While the maverick posture can be popular with a small, select group, the result will be a lack of support rather than ringing endorsements from FBS conferences.
LU has not been able to parlay it's strengths. When it seems FBS membership is a possibility, the school admins have been unable to act wisely and tone down their rhetoric.
The hiring of former governor Bob McDonald is another example of a poor choice. It would have been interesting to have been in the meeting with the idea was considered to hire McDonald. Discussions were surely made on the pros and cons of the hire. The hiring of McDonald was secondary as the lead of the story reported at the time was former VA governor and accused felon hired. Where was the upside for LU? The impact of the hire is another example of LU being unable to foresee the residue of a controversial action. It again brought unfavorable attention to the school. The kind of attention that has created a pattern where others, who control if LU becomes FBS, question the leadership of the school.
This is not about LU being a Christian school. It's not about LU being a martyr for being a private university. It's not about LU being different. It's not about LU changing it's values. It's about how past actions, that were magnified greatly with the stances of Sr. many years ago, were toned down by Jr. after Sr.'s passing. Then the unprecedented growth and success of the school began. LU was poised and positioned for FBS membership. And then shortly, incrementally, the culmination of events as stated by myself and others, made an impact with the decision makers to again bypass LU for FBS membership.
LU will eventually achieve FBS membership. It will happen with the great facilities and fan support, attendance, FOCA and more the school has to offer. Unfortunately, it will take longer due to stances, positions, actions and comments made that were spoken and acted upon before the impact was considered.