Indianapolis mayor Greg Ballard at a press conference – he’s explaining that Indianapolis welcomes all.  That’s Wabash alumnus Ryan Vaughn in the background on the left.

If you haven’t heard – I’ve seen/heard alumni from all over the country sharing their thoughts – Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act has created…well…an environment conducive to a lot of varying opinions.  (In my former life, there’s a much simpler definition!)

Some folks asserting that Religious rights are important and must be safeguarded.  Others insisting that this bill creates an environment for discrimination.

The truth, as is often the case, lies somewhere in the middle of this sea of muck.

But isn’t this a perfect subject for discussion at our college?  Isn’t this exactly the kind of subject matter that can draw the best out of our young men?  Step one has to be to learn more about EXACTLY what the bill says.  Step two is to weigh the pros and cons of each part of the legislation.  Step three is to figure out how to fix the problem.  Step four is to explore and explain the best solution and communicate that.

Sounds like think critically, act responsibly, lead effectively and live humanely.  

That’s why real world “case studies” like this one are so valuable at a place like ours.  I hope we’ll see Poli Sci classes, History classes, and even a science class or two lay down the books for a short amount of time and let our guys – in a gentlemanly fashion – debate this as friends.

Sidenote:  Ryan Vaughn ’00 is exactly the type of talented young leader who can roll up his sleeves and work an issue like this one.  I am sure glad he’s there!