Emotional turmoil spread among UNCW’s campus after learning Chancellor Aswani Volety has invited former Vice President Mike Pence to give the keynote address at this semester’s “Dare to Learn” lecture. This will be the fourth Dare to Learn lecture held at UNCW. Pence is the third Republican politician invited, compared to one Democratic politician. Previous speakers include U.S. Navy Capt. Scott Kelly, former astronaut and naval aviator, Aldone Woś, M.D., former physician and Republican politician, Donna Brazile, Democratic political strategist and analyst, and Karl Rove, Republican political consultant.
Pence is an American politician and lawyer, who served as Vice President for President Trump’s first term. Pence once said, “I am a Christian, conservative and Republican, in that order.”
Throughout his career, which expands over 40 years, Pence has publicly targeted minority groups in America, and supported laws doing the same. For example, in 2000, Pence released a statement, now archived, suggesting Congress complete an audit on the Ryan White Care Act, a federal law enacted in 1990, that provided funding for those seeking healthcare services for HIV/AIDS. He suggested instead using that funding to aid “those seeking to change their sexual behavior.’” In other words, appearing to voice support for conversion therapy. However, Pence’s spokesman, Marc Lotter, sees that interpretation of his statement as a “mischaracterization.”
Additionally, Pence has been vocal about his pro-life agenda, for the majority of his career. In 2019, Pence complimented the Trump Administration on their policy to limit abortion access in Mexico City, which Trump reenacted this year. Pence also stated, “I was also honored to cast the tie-breaking vote in the United States Senate to allow states across America to defund Planned Parenthood.” Planned Parenthood is an organization that promotes sexual and reproductive health education. Only focusing on abortion care, what Pence fails to acknowledge is the multiple other services offered by Planned Parenthood that would be affected. For example, Planned Parenthood provides aid and education on recognizing and preventing sexual assault. According to RAINN, an anti-sexual violence organization, 13% of all college students experience rape or sexual assault on campus. Only 20% of those students report their experiences. Of the 80% remaining students that do not report, 12% of those students did not believe it was “important enough to report.” With constant attacks on Planned Parenthood, students are at risk of losing resources.
More recently, in 2024, Pence wrote an op-ed for The New York Times in which he criticized Trump for “betraying the Pro-Life movement.” In the first sentence of the article, he claims, “Serving as vice president in the most pro-life administration in American history was one of the greatest honors of my life.” He goes on to praise the Supreme Court for their decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision made in 1973, that established Americans the constitutional right to an abortion; a decision that caused immense emotional distress to women and leaders around the world.
Pence has also made numerous ignorant comments. For example, in 1999, in an op-ed he wrote, reuploaded by Buzzfeed News, he stated that women should not serve in the military, because… sex. He claimed that Disney’s Mulan was Liberal propaganda and, “Many young women find many young men to be attractive sexually. Put them together, in close quarters, for long periods of time, and things will get interesting. Just like they eventually did for young Mulan. Moral of the story: woman in military, bad idea.”
The fact that a man with such a long-strung history of prejudice, has been invited to a lecture that is supposed to “inspire a free exchange of ideas,” is a bit concerning to me. I find it inappropriate, considering this campus claims to aim for institutional neutrality. For instance, in 2024, the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion was closed down, to comply with the repeal of the UNC System DEI policies. I’ve learned that I’m not alone regarding my concern.
When the news of Pence’s lecture was announced on the Chancellor’s Instagram, most commenters were less than amused. Students, alumni and parents did not hold back. While scrolling through, I saw many comments that consisted of barf emojis, “hawk no’s” and warnings of protests.
A statement was made under the post, defending Chancellor Volety’s decision. This response was a copy-and-pasted reply under a few comments expressing disappointment in not only him, but the university as a whole. For example: “I dare him to learn how to treat every American (and every UNCW student/faculty) with equal respect and support… This is a ridiculous choice. Oof, disappointing.”
Eager to get a deeper dig into student opinions, I reached out to some via Instagram and in person, asking if they were open to answering a few questions. The emotions evoked for many were fear and disappointment.
River-Lee Pearson, a sophomore, stated, “I’m disappointed… it seems counter-intuitive to UNCW’s inclusivity mission and completely negates whatever the school thought they stood for. A mission statement or initiatives on inclusivity are just words, inviting Pence is action.” In the Seahawk Respect Compact, it states, “We foster an environment of respect for each individual… by eliminating prejudice and discrimination through education and interaction with others.” To invite someone who has in the past and present, targeted minority groups is hypocritical.
Mirabelle Phillips, a freshman, stated, “I don’t wanna be here when he comes… I feel like there might be some uncomfortable tension, I feel like the school is mostly on the right side, so I don’t know.” AP News reported in 2024 that, “As a new generation rises, tension between free speech and inclusivity on college campuses simmers.” It states, “On college campuses, a new version of free speech is emerging as young generations redraw the line where expression crosses into harm.” By inviting Pence to campus, UNCW is allowing him to practice his First Amendment right of free speech on impressionable youth. But where is the line drawn? If UNCW’s leaders didn’t let Pence’s harmful claims stop them from extending an invite, what is stopping him from slipping in a few more during his lecture?
Overall, I am too disgusted and disappointed. As a minority student myself, I feel betrayed. Whatever Pence has to say, personally, I don’t want to hear it.
