Saturday, October 13, 2007

Regent University Bans Student Over Unflattering Photo of Pat Robertson


Both today's issue of the Virginian Pilot (http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=134586&ran=53451&tref=po) and Associated Press (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SOU_ROBERTSON_CRITIC_VAOL-?SITE=VANOV&SECTION=STATE) are reporting that Regent University has suspended law student Adam Key, pending an evaluation of his mental health condition. I am not sure what to think. Given the Christianists’ standard tactic of attacking anyone who challenges their views – e.g., gays are routinely depicted as sinful, promiscuous, emotionally/mentally damaged, alcoholic drug users - this may just be a smoke screen of shifting focus off of Regent and onto Key. I also have to wonder about the suddenly arising claims about weapons on campus too – having been to the Regent campus before, there is an element within the student body that reminds me of Jim Jones’ Kool-Aid drinkers. True, many students are not of that mind set, but some I most certainly find a bit scary.

Of course, personally, I would question the mental state of anyone who decided to attend Regent unless they had a very good reason for doing so (e.g., students can go to law school part time whereas all of the other secular Virginia law schools operate on a full time student basis only).

The other issue is who will be the one to evaluate Key’s mental condition. Given the discredited quacks that the Christianists rely upon routinely to peddle anti-gay propaganda and maintain the “choice myth” of homosexuality, I hope Key demands that it be someone with legitimate credentials and NOT in any way affiliated
with Regent. Here are some highlights from the AP story:

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- A Regent University law student who posted an unflattering photo of school founder Pat Robertson on the Internet has been banned from campus and ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation before he can return to classes. Adam M. Key, 23, also was ordered to undergo counseling if a mental health provider that is acceptable to the university deems it appropriate, and to provide a report showing that he has completed any treatment plan required. He also must agree to allow the mental health provider to provide regular updates on his treatment to the school.

Key posted a picture of Regent's chancellor and president making what appears to be an obscene gesture on his Facebook social-networking page. Key said he copied the photo from a online video in which Robertson scratches his face with his middle finger.

In a letter he received Friday from Associate Dean for Student Affairs L.O. Natt Gantt II, Gantt said several students have come forward expressing concern about Key's behavior this semester, and have reported that Key said he brought a gun onto campus.

Key, who provided a copy of the letter to The Associated Press, denied ever having a gun and accused the university of exploiting the fear that lingers since a gunman at Virginia Tech killed 32 people last April in handing down its harsh punishment.

"There's a big difference between someone who was incredibly violent like the Virginia Tech kid and someone who disagrees with the administration," he said in a telephone interview. "At the time we start labeling people who have dissenting voices as dangerous, we start losing the freedom that makes us Americans."

The letter also tells Key that "your undergoing evaluation and possible counseling will enable you to enhance your well-being and improve your future" and says the school has no plans, at present, to begin any proceedings under the Honor Code or the University Standard of Conduct, but reserves the right to take those actions later.

E-mail messages seeking comment sent to Gantt and Dean Jeffrey Brauch were not returned Friday night, and a spokeswoman said she was not at liberty to comment. She said a written statement issued from Robertson on Thursday night still applied.

Naturally, much to Regent’s dismay, the case has generated international news coverage, showing up in publications in Europe and Asia. This, combined with the Monica Goodling disaster, obviously is not going to enhance Regent’s reputation.

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