Feature photo by Lillian Chapman
Story by Hannah Ferreira
Several student organizations publicly condemned those who supported and brought former Vice President Mike Pence to campus for a discussion on “Defining Democracy” on Sept. 17.
Pence taking the stage at Tucker Theater is one of several activities slated to take place during MTSU’s celebrated Constitution Week. It’s also the one that has sparked the most reactions from the campus community.
MTSU’s chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America issued a statement on their social media about their take on the Constitution Day event. They claim “Pence is far from a democratic individual” and that his decision to defy former President Donald Trump on Jan. 6 was “the bare minimum” and does not make him “a beacon of democratic principles.”
MT Lambda also issued a statement formally condemning his invitation, specifically calling out members of the campus chapter of the American Democracy Project and the staff at MTSU that contributed to the decision.
The caption of their post called it “incredibly naive at best and downright insidious at worst” to invite the former Vice President to campus.
Upon learning that student members of ADP (American Democracy Project) did not contribute to the decision, the organization issued a correcting statement the next day. Their caption explained that they became informed of the decision-making process through an exchange with ADP’s executive board and faculty advisor.
In their discussion, they learned that the decision was made “unilaterally” by Dean John Vile of the Honors College, University Provost Mark Byrnes, and University President Sidney McPhee.
However, Miura Rempis, the Student Engagement Coordinator for the University Honors College, said in an email that Dean Vile “was not ultimately the final decision maker,” and that all speakers that come to campus are conclusively approved by President McPhee.
She also said that several concerns voiced by Honors College staff were heard and taken into account, and she personally has never felt that political beliefs are unwelcome.
Vile explained in an email that the discussion was “not meant to be a partisan event,” clarifying that the decision to bring him to campus was made after Pence dropped out of the race for the 2024 Republican nomination.
Some of Pence’s most prominent and controversial policy stances include staunch support of Israel, opposition to gay marriage, and hard-line pro-life beliefs, all positions largely opposed by members of MTSU YDSA and Lambda.
However, the decision was deemed appropriate, largely because of Pence’s decision to certify the 2020 election results, which Vile noted was “against his own political interest” and “likely spared the nation a great deal of turmoil.”
Regardless of significant disagreements students may have with Pence, Vile hopes they can appreciate “the opportunity to meet people who have influenced our lives.”
Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with Pence during the event in the hopes of promoting a spirited and productive discussion about democracy.
Additionally, students can participate in Constitution readings the day before, Sept. 16, at various locations around campus. More information can be found at the American Democracy Project website.
Hannah Ferreira is a reporter for MTSU Sidelines.
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