Mississippi State University's (MSU) Gender Studies program has scheduled a presentation by abortionist Dr. Willie Parker. The event is scheduled for March 1 on the university campus. Dr. Parker travels around the country, particularly the South, performing abortions. This event is titled "Abortion and the Christian Case for Choice."
In addition, the event is co-sponsored by the Office of the Provost, College of Arts and Sciences, President's Commission on the Status of Minorities, and other academic-based programs under the authority of President Mark Keenum and Provost Dr. Judy Bonner.
AFA contacted the office of MSU President Mark Keenum on Monday, February 19, requesting a disclosure of the school's expenses associated with hosting Dr. Parker at the event. We asked the school to remit that information by close of business the following day.
MSU did not respond to us by that time. AFA then contacted the president's office, where a representative told us Mr. Sid Salter with the Office of Public Affairs had been given that financial information and would be sending it to us by end of day on February 21. On behalf of President Keenum, Mr. Salter contacted AFA on February 22 and acknowledged that taxpayer funds are being used to pay for the program featuring Dr. Parker, but Mr. Salter did not provide any specific dollar amount.
It is one thing for Mississippi State University to have the liberty to invite and pay for academic guest speakers of their choosing, but it is troubling to see that such a controversial speaker as Dr. Parker would garner the endorsement of the President and Provost. At a minimum, the university should also provide equal time and funding for a pro-life Christian speaker at the program.
To be clear, abortion is murder. There is no biblical argument which supports the taking of innocent life from the womb. In fact, there is a strong biblical argument against abortion. As part of the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:13 says, "You shall not murder."
Do you think it’s right that only one viewpoint will be represented by this university-sanctioned event paid for by taxpayers? I don't.
It’s one thing for a student-sponsored, student-led group invite someone like Dr. Parker, but it's entirely another for academic departments at Mississippi State University to allocate taxpayer funds to sponsor a program featuring an abortionist who twists the biblical view of the sanctity of human life to support killing babies.
It is time universities, specifically Mississippi State University, to grant equal time and funding to opposing viewpoints at academic programs.
AFA is encouraging you to demand that President Keenum provide equal presentation of viewpoints to this MSU sanctioned event - and pay for it with the same amount of university funds. Here is what you can do:
- Email President Keenum We have provided a sample message for you to send.
- Call and leave a message with President Mark Keenum’s office at (662) 325-3221. Tell the receptionist: I insist that the university provide equal time and funding for a pro-life Christian to speak against abortion at the MSU Gender Studies program featuring Dr. Willie Parker on March 1.
