The Spectator The independent student newspaper of Valdosta State University
Written By: Cole Edwards
The anticipation surrounding the appearance of Fox News personality Dr. Ben Carson will finally be satisfied tonight as Dr. Carson is scheduled to speak at 8 p.m. inside Whitehead Auditorium while a multitude of protestors demonstrate outside the facility.
Dr. Carson is expected to give a speech entitled “America the Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made this Nation Great,” in an event that sold out within three days for an estimated $2,500 per table, according to the VSU website.
The event also generated backlash from a portion of the VSU community that felt his extremely conservative views on the Affordable Care Act, gay marriage and other topics are extremely divisive and even damaging.
In an open letter released last week, VSU President Dr. William McKinney argued the importance of a university’s free expression of ideas and stated he had not intention to cancel the event despite protest from over 600 students and community members who signed a petition.
Several student organizations, as well as members of the community, have organized a protest to take place outside the event beginning at 6 p.m., according to Ashley Praine and Jarrett Wilson, co-presidents of the VSU Sociology Club.
“Based on the VSU mission statement, many students feel as though Dr. Ben Carson’s presence on campus contradicts the university’s promise to create a ‘nurturing and respectful environment’ on campus,” Praine and Wilson said in a statement released to the Spectator.
The club spent Wednesday night making signs for their planned peaceful protest.
“Dr. Carson simplifies complicated social issues such as poverty, and frames them as an individual shortcomings, rather than social problems,” Praine and Wilson’s statement read.
Though tickets to the event, “An Evening with Dr. Carson,” are sold out, additional seating to watch Dr. Carson’s address via HD live broadcast in Jennett Hall are still available for $10 for general admission and $5 for students can be purchased online at www.valdostastate.org/BenDr. Carson.
Nick Rudnik, a political science student at VSU, who has been very outspoken against the event, disputed Dr. McKinney’s argument.
“The Ben Dr. Carson controversy is not an issue regarding free speech or robust political discourse,” Rudnik said in an e-mail Wednesday night.
“I read the president’s thoughtful letter to the community; he noted that universities should serve to foster the ‘free and open exchange of ideas,’” Rudnik said. “I agree. However, this is not about the free and open exchange of ideas. It’s about VSU legitimating Dr. Carson’s extremist rhetoric.”
Dr. McKinney, in his letter, argued in favor of free speech.
“I believe that we do ourselves the greatest disservice when we silence civil debate as a result of controversy,” Dr. McKinney wrote.
Dr. Carson was hired last year as a Fox News contributor after retiring from nearly 40 years as the director of pediatric neurosurgery at John Hopkins.
He first came into national awareness during the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast when he criticized President Obama’s health care policies.
Previous planned appearances by Dr. Carson at universities have faced negative reactions due to Dr. Carson’s conservative views. He withdrew as Johns Hopkins University graduation speaker in 2013 after controversial comments he made about gay marriage made national headlines.
Recently, Dr. Carson began raising funds for a potential president candidacy in 2016.
I may not agree with Dr. Carson’s politics, but the man does have a right to speak, even if his views are extreme. It would probably be wise for Dr. McKinney to enlist a more moderate speaker to feature next time in order to avoid the appearance of a political endorsement. Great article,Cole!
A summary of Dr. Carson’s message: When people blame others and do not take responsibility for the consequences of their actions they will not progress forward, but will instead be held in bondage to poverty and government dependence. Choosing to take on the role of a helpless victim of one’s circumstances is a barrier to living successful, productive, and meaningful lives. Taking action to achieve success is a choice. In reality, life is all about choices. ~~ Dr. Carson was not born with a silver spoon, but rather in poverty. His mother had a 3rd grade education, yet he made wise choices and took action to become a prominent neurosurgeon at Johns Hopkins. His other outstanding achievements could fill this page. If you choose to take a little time to learn about him, you will know why many people across the nation are working very hard to draft him for President of the United States in the 2016 election. We believe he will be a successful President and make this country strong and secure. http://www.RunBenRun.org
Lack of common sense! America is craving for a leader. One who is not afraid of taking charge. A person that will protect it’s citizens and make America strong. Help us keep America’s Republic strong. sign the petition for Dr. Carson to run in 2016. http://www.runbenrun.org/petition?recruiter_id=207883
Will the protesters all be wearing the Progressive uniform of the day? You know, the one with the pointy hat and robe? Face it, Liberals don’t like him cause he’s Black. Why do Liberals hate Black people so much?
Without knowing what he will say, some VSU people know everything as to what he represents and what he says, They have earwax removal kits and cold showers that will awaken the brain to open thought. Dr. Carson is one perspective and to darken the curtains on that perspective is a shallow attempt to nullify the freedom to thinks. By the way a University is all about thinking. Those who oppose this are in fear of thinking about opposing views. I beleive this schools values of learning are being upheld, as they have invited the nation’s leading intellect on campus for sharing his ideas. Critize him after he leaves the campus, but do it inteligently in spite of yourself.