Pepperdine University is Switzerland

Got the following in my e-mail box today. Perhaps it mistakenly went to my spam folder, but I'm sure a similar memo was distributed when the Caruso Family Chair and Professor of Constitutional Law at Pepperdine University, Douglas W. Kmiec, not only publicly endorsed Barack Obama for President, but has repeatedly defended said endorsement in some of the most mind bending ways imaginable.

M E M O R A N D U M


TO: University Students and Staff

FROM: Andrew K. Benton

RE: University Neutrality and the 2008 Election

DATE: October 15, 2008


As many of you are aware, a series of political ads on radio and TV has drawn much unwanted attention to Pepperdine. The ads, advocating for Proposition 8, feature one of our professors and lists his affiliation with the University.

I want to convey the following concerning this matter: Pepperdine University remains steadfastly neutral during election periods in all political campaigns, and this includes the debate over Prop 8.

We respect our faculty, staff, and students' right to be involved in the political process; indeed, we encourage engagement in the political process.

The Yes on 8 Campaign is using the Pepperdine name in a manner in which we do not approve. We asked the campaign to separate more clearly their partisan cause from our University's name, but they refused.

We ask all who are affiliated with the University to take care not to implicate the University in their respective political causes.

Finally, we ask our students, faculty, and staff to help clear up misunderstandings with those who may ask concerning Pepperdine's perceived role in a campaign in which it is not involved.

We appreciate your understanding, assistance, and patience during what has been a trying time for many at Pepperdine. I urge you to familiarize yourself with the 2008 candidates and issues, and vote your conscience.