Design by Ali Levens | File Photos
In describing the purpose of the Freedom Wall, Seaver Dean Michael Feltner wrote the following in an email to the Graphic: “Speech and expression can be messy and difficult, but they cannot be impugned on a campus devoted to discerning truth, especially God’s truth. By providing a location for free expression and critical reflection on ideas from the student community, the Freedom Wall is an integral component of our educational mission.”
The following is a timeline of the Freedom Wall’s history, including some of the most visible and controversial displays:
January 2003: SGA establishes the Freedom Wall
February 2004: The Rock controversy follows a debate on hypothetical White Student Union
April 2006: Students clash over proposed immigration policy
January 2017: Turning Point USA posters are removed from the Freedom Wall
May 2018: Installation of 90 anonymous statements about the Good Samaritan Policy
October 2018: Unite Pepp movement continues conversation on Good Samaritan Policy
January 2019: Display calls out lack of diversity among finalists for university President
February 2019: Pepperdine responds to Westboro Baptist protesters through solidarity and peace
March 2019: HRL and allegations of ethical misconduct
November 2019: Argument over LGBTQ+ inclusion when Chick-fil-A was proposed on campus
January 2020: Students with disabilities continue to petition for change on campus
March 2020: Social media fuels posts in support of Prof. Jeff Schultz
November 2020: Pepperdine Justice Coalition protests for administrative action about racial inequalities
October 2021: Anti-abortion display sparks discourse
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AJ Muonagolu and Rowan Toke
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