Renowned and sometimes controversial lawyer Alan Dershowitz, who vaulted to the forefront of the American public eye as a member of O.J. Simpson's "Dream Team" of attorneys in the infamous 1995 murder trial, was the guest speaker today at Liberty University Convocation.
With the Vines Center filled nearly to capacity, Dershowitz was seated onstage with Liberty University President Jerry Falwell, Jr. and Liberty University Senior Vice President for Spiritual Development David Nasser in a conversation-style forum.
The primary topics revolved around freedom of speech - or the lack thereof - on American college campuses, separation of church and state, and America's position on Israel.
Dershowitz, a proclaimed political liberal, praised traditionally conservative and Biblically-based Liberty University's willingness to allow others with opposing views the platform to speak at convocation events.
At the same time, he criticized the radicalization of many secular campuses that do not allow speakers with differing ideals the chance to engage the student body. He specifically pointed out Ivy League schools and said that Liberty is more diverse that Harvard in that respect.
Dershowitz sided with President Donald Trump's decision to sign an executive order Thursday that promotes free speech on public colleges and universities. The order warns of the potential loss of federal funding for those who fail to protect those first amendment rights.
In light of recent controversial remarks by Minnesota Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar that have been deemed anti-Semitic by people on both sides of the political aisle, Dershowitz affirmed his pro-Israeli stance. He referred to Israel as America's "strongest and most reliable ally" and said that those who are anti-Israel are typically anti-Christian as well.
On freedom of religion, Dershowitz believes that the idea of separation of church and state is meant to protect people from "the heavy hand of the government" so they are free to share their beliefs in the "marketplace" of religion. He and Falwell, Jr. differed somewhat on whether placing the Ten Commandments in public places, such as courthouses, is appropriate.
Dershowitz encouraged the students attending convocation to stand by their principals, but be open to hearing opposing views and base their decisions on truth rather than rooting for a side or feeling pressured.
On a lighter note, he acknowledged that the Liberty students were permitted to be totally biased when rooting for the Flames men's basketball team tonight as they take on Mississippi State in the NCAA tournament.
For the rest of the story, see the March 27 edition of the Times Virginian.
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