Why I’m Not Returning My Liberty University Diploma (And Why You Shouldn’t Either)
Okay, so you’re thinking about returning your Liberty University diploma, huh? Maybe you saw that viral Facebook group, or maybe you just had a really bad experience with the whole “religious-school-in-Virginia” thing. But before you go tossing that piece of paper into the recycling bin, let’s talk.
First off, let me ask you this: did you actually LEARN ANYTHING at Liberty? I mean, did you actually learn anything beyond the “Jesus is the answer” spiel? Did you learn how to think critically, how to argue a point without resorting to biblical quotes, or how to write a decent essay without citing the same five verses from Proverbs? If the answer is yes, then maybe, just maybe, you shouldn’t be throwing away that diploma.
Let’s be honest, Liberty University is a bit of a mess. They’ve had their fair share of scandals, from the whole Jerry Falwell Jr. fiasco to the relentless accusations of sexual assault and cover-ups. And let’s not forget the time they decided to spend a cool million dollars on a giant, golden statue of Jesus. Talk about priorities, right?
But here’s the thing: your diploma doesn’t represent Liberty University, it represents YOU. It represents the hard work, dedication, and maybe even a little bit of blood, sweat, and tears you poured into earning that degree. It represents the sleepless nights spent studying for exams, the countless hours spent in the library (or, let’s be real, the coffee shop), and the awkward moments you spent trying to explain to your friends why you were learning about Creationism in the 21st century.
You’re not returning the diploma because you’re ashamed of Liberty, you’re returning it because you’re ashamed of YOURSELF. You’re ashamed of the fact that you spent four years of your life at a place that seemed more focused on pushing a specific agenda than on providing a quality education. You’re ashamed of the fact that you were surrounded by people who seemed more interested in preaching than in learning.
But here’s the deal: you can’t erase the past. You can’t undo the time you spent at Liberty, and you can’t change the fact that you earned that diploma. So instead of throwing it away, why not use it as a reminder of the lessons you learned, both good and bad?
Think of it this way: your Liberty University diploma is like a battle scar. It’s a reminder of a fight you went through, a fight that may not have been easy or fair, but a fight you ultimately won. It’s a reminder that you survived, that you learned, and that you came out on the other side.
And let’s be honest, having a Liberty University diploma on your resume is a conversation starter. You can use it to tell your story, to talk about the things you learned and the things you’ve come to realize. You can use it to show your potential employers that you’re not afraid to challenge the status quo, that you’re not afraid to think for yourself, and that you’re not afraid to stand up for what you believe in.
So, keep the diploma. It’s a reminder of your past, and it’s a symbol of your future. And if anyone ever asks you about it, just tell them you went to “Liberty University,” and let them figure out the rest.
But don’t be surprised if they ask you about the giant, golden Jesus statue.
What About the Actual “Returning the Diploma” Thing?
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. You’re probably wondering, “Why would people even think about returning their diplomas?” Well, it’s actually a pretty complex issue. It goes beyond just the Jerry Falwell Jr. scandal. It’s about feeling betrayed by an institution that you once believed in, an institution that promised you a certain kind of education and a certain kind of community.
Some alumni feel that the university’s actions, particularly in recent years, have gone against the values they were taught. They feel like the university has become more focused on political influence and financial gain than on its mission of providing a Christian education. They feel like their degree is no longer a symbol of their values, but a symbol of the university’s hypocrisy.
So, is returning your diploma a valid form of protest? Honestly, it’s up to you. It’s a symbolic act, and it’s a way of expressing your dissatisfaction with the university. But ultimately, it’s your diploma, and you can do whatever you want with it.
Here’s what I’d suggest: Instead of returning your diploma, why not use it to raise awareness about the issues you care about? You could write a blog post, start a social media campaign, or even donate your diploma to a museum or archive that focuses on the history of higher education.
Maybe you could even start your own university. One that actually teaches critical thinking, one that embraces diversity and inclusivity, and one that doesn’t have a giant, golden Jesus statue. Now, that would be a legacy worth having.
The Bottom Line: Your Diploma, Your Choice
At the end of the day, the decision of whether or not to return your Liberty University diploma is a personal one. It’s about weighing the pros and cons, the emotions and the logic, and ultimately, deciding what feels right for you. Just remember, your diploma doesn’t define you, and your past doesn’t have to dictate your future.
So, go forth and do what you feel is right. Maybe keep the diploma as a reminder of your journey, or maybe donate it to a cause you believe in. Whatever you decide, know that you’re not alone in your thoughts and feelings. And hey, if you ever want to vent about Liberty University, my inbox is always open.