“I believe in respect for the dignity of each person.”
“I believe in personal and professional integrity.”
These excerpts from our beloved university’s creed are some of the most important values that we as a community hold. Whether you are a student, faculty member, staff, alumni or guest, we expect that you will identify with and follow the values set forth in our creed.
Recently, Gov. Phil Bryant’s actions have run counter to our creed.
Nearly two weeks ago, Bryant signed SB 2681, the “Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act,” into law.
Supporters of the law argue that it protects citizens and their religious freedom.
Opponents, however, believe the law will lead to discrimination, especially against the LGBT community.
Republican-controlled state governments have introduced similar bills, with 18 states passing their own version of the “Religious freedom” law.
One such law was introduced in Arizona, and after intense media coverage and scrutiny, Republican Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed the bill. Brewer repeatedly emphasized that the potential for discrimination against the LGBT community was a major factor in her veto.
Political uproar occurred in Mississippi, and policymakers were more than aware of the potential discrimination effects. In a state such as Mississippi, these possible effects should have resonated even more distinctly, but it appears our governor gave little thought to that.
So, I must ask Gov. Bryant, why was the passage of the bill so important to him? Is there a problem regarding religious liberty in the nation’s most religious state?
I don’t exactly understand Bryant’s decision to sign the bill into law. Of course, it appears he is devoted to his faith, and based on his State of the State address, we know he is committed to adding “In God We Trust” to the state seal.
But, I can’t help but ask what other motives existed for Bryant.
Legislators who supported SB 2681 stridently argued that the newly signed law would not lead to discrimination against the LGBT community.
One has to ask, though, does our governor have any concern at all for LGBT persons? Does he truly believe that the law will have no negative effects on the LGBT community?
All signs point to Bryant’s apathy, as he has chosen not to publicly address the concerns SB 2681 raises. It appears that our governor is not concerned with LGBT discrimination or even the dignity of LGBT Mississippians.
Certainly, I don’t accuse Bryant of actively wanting to discriminate against anyone, but by not even addressing the potential discriminatory effects of SB 2681, Bryant blatantly ignores and disrespects the LGBT community.
If, and when, discrimination occurs from the Mississippi Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Bryant and state legislators will have facilitated it.
Many questions remain surrounding Governor Bryant’s support of SB 2681.
It is difficult to comprehend and tolerate his presence on our campus, where we pride ourselves on the tenets of the creed, especially respect for all persons. Rumors circulate all across campus among students that Bryant will be the keynote speaker at this year’s graduation. It is impossible to understand how we could invite someone to speak at our most important academic event, when that person does not align with our university’s own creed and values.
The University of Mississippi, of all places, should back far away from any official who supports potentially discriminatory policies, even if that official is the governor of our own state.
But, how appropriate that Bryant should come speak to well-educated, young college graduates — the people that Mississippi needs the most and the people who will flee Mississippi the quickest because of Bryant’s actions.
Adam Blackwell is a senior public policy leadership major from Natchez.
