Mercer University - Cauldron Yearbook (Macon, GA)

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 by Karon Jacobs and Ruby Fowler President R. Kilby Godsey said that the university will not compro- mise academic integrity and religious freedom and affirmed that Mercer is a Baptist university in a pfess conference held Monday. October 12. 1987 The statement to the press was prompted by the circulation of a letter in which Lee Roberts, a member of Eastside Baptist Church of Marietta, alleged that filthy language and heresies are being printed by the Mercer University Press, hard liquor is served at official functions, 'lewd cartoons and pornography” are being published in the student newspaper, and that 'widespread student drunkenness exists of campus, The 16-page fetter includes book excerpts, copies of speeches made by President Godsey. articles and advertisements from The Mercer Glister. the student newspaper, and reproductions of photographs printed in Playboy magazine. The letter urges readers to write or call Godsey board of trustees asking them to approve the right of the Georgia Baptist Convention Nominating Committee to make free and unrestricted nominations to trustee positions at Mercer Copies of the tetter have been sent to Baptists pastors, members of the Board of Trustees, members of the faculty, and parents of students. Godsey stated that Roberts' letter is part of a plan to control the university: It is his desire that the Georgia Baptist Convention should nominate and elect all of our trustees. He wants to control the election of Trustees so that tie cam control what is taught and: can control the selection of faculty who teach, the textbooks they use, and the books that we publish.1' He added that political fundamentalist doctrine is contrary to the very essence of a Baptist university and to the heart and soul of Baptists. (cont d on pg. 9) ft ifflmtr© (flutter 8

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In response to Roberts' insistence that only Christians should hold admirvs tralive or teachings positions. Godsey said that such a policy would be of excessive limitation. He expressed that the university should have a strong commitment to the selection of quality faculty and that religious affiliation is not the only criterion for faculty members. He described such a policy as monolithic and unilateral. and said that students need to study with people who have a different point of view. The richness and strength of the faculty is a reflection of its diversity, he said. Godsey stated that the university has no intention of attacking Roberts and characterized Roberts letter as a vicious assault on the university. Godsey staled that the university has no interest in withdrawing from the GBC. and expressed that Mercer wants to be a cooperative partner with the convention. In talking with the student newspaper. Godsey said that the student press sometimes gets the administration in trouble, but that he upholds editorial freedom and has favored restraints only in terms of decency and taste (published by the permission of The Mercer Cluster ) 9