Concerns raised by pro-life students at Samford University resulted in a scheduled speech to be postponed over the speaker’s affiliation with Planned Parenthood.
Jon Meacham, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian, was slated to speak at the university’s inaugural ceremonies for its new president, Dr. Beck Taylor. Upon receiving widespread criticism from the student body, Meacham’s invitation was revoked, according to Baptist News Global.
Samford student Emily Kirby created a petition seeking to garner support for the effort to remove Meacham as speaker. The petition cited his involvement in a Planned Parenthood fundraiser earlier this month, where the author spoke on issues relating to American democracy.
The petition read, “Jon Meacham is significantly involved with the Planned Parenthood organization. He has spoken at their fundraising events, his book is used for the Planned Parenthood fundraiser, and overall his beliefs and core values do not align with those of Samford University, as it is a Southern Baptist institution.”
Kirby’s petition further asserted that Planned Parenthood, as an abortion provider, conducted activity that she believed to be in conflict with the Christian doctrines professed by the university.
“Mr. Meacham is involved with raising money in support of an organization that does not value life in the same way the Christian faith does,” the petition proclaimed. “As Samford is the top-ranked Christian University in Alabama, the invitation for Mr. Meacham to speak is not only disappointing, but alarming for the future of Samford.”
Alongside the petition, the university’s student government association passed a resolution calling for Meacham’s address to be canceled.
Baptist News Global reports that the university’s president, upon fielding concerns from the student body, sent an email to the Samford community asserting that any views Meacham held regarding abortion do not necessarily reflect those of Samford University.
“It has come to our attention that Mr. Meacham has previously spoken at a Planned Parenthood chapter event,” wrote Taylor. “Some in our community have assumed erroneously that Samford’s invitation by extension endorses any perspectives or viewpoints Mr. Meacham may have about the sanctity of life and abortion rights. I can assure you that no such connection should be inferred. Mr. Meacham is not planning to discuss these issues in his remarks.”
The outlet reports that in announcing the speech’s cancellation, Taylor indicated that Meacham will be rescheduled to speak “at a more appropriate time to an event not so closely connected to the symbolism of the inauguration.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
