Thursday’s campaign rally by Republican vice presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin is the latest example of Elon’s policy of allowing political candidates of all parties and beliefs to appear on campus and share their views.
Elon University has a long history of hosting candidates for major national and state offices on campus. For example, President Clinton appeared at Elon last spring on behalf of Hillary Clinton, and the Clinton-Gore team appeared at Elon in 1992 during their national campaign.
As a university, we foster free, open and civil discussion of ideas. Elon students are active and involved in the processes of our democracy, and they benefit by hearing directly from people representing all aspects of political discourse.
To be clear about the university’s policy on political events, Elon does not invite candidates or sponsor the rallies, but does agree to host the candidates in response to their requests. Candidates bear costs related to the event and reimburse the university. The appearance of a candidate at Elon does not constitute an endorsement by the university.
It is our hope that the visit by Gov. Palin, and future visits by candidates and speakers representing a broad spectrum of opinions, will reinforce our mission as an academic community that transforms mind, body, and spirit and encourages freedom of thought and liberty of conscience.
Gerald L. Francis
Provost