Wheaton College silence is consent
Dear President Ryken and the Board of Trustees,
Your silence is consent. As a Wheaton College alumna, I am more than "deeply troubled" by the recent news that five Wheaton football players viciously attacked a fellow player. I am appalled and angry. Sick to be exact. And utterly dismayed that my alma mater, that beacon of Christian values and traditions, that city upon a hill, would not publicly condemn this behavior when it happened in 2016 but instead chose to merely scold the players.
Your silence is consent.
As a mother, I am heart broken that these five players, having signed a covenant (pledge) of commitment to Christian morals and values, let alone one of human decency, chose to seek out another Christian and cause bodily and lasting mental harm. I grieve for this boy, no matter his ethnicity, skin color, gender or sexual orientation - because being a Child of God transcends racism and hate.
Your silence is consent.
As an educator, I am incredulous that the administration and board of trustees did not do what is right in the eyes of God. Where is mercy and justice for this boy when his tormentors are still active members of the student body and football team?
Where is mercy and justice when members of the Wheaton community allowed this to happen with no repercussion?
I could spew scripture like "love your neighbor," but you, the administration and board, already know what scripture says about hate. Now put your words into practice, because otherwise your silence is consent.
Who among you will take responsibility for this?
Danielle Wilkinson Hensley
Cary, North Carolina
Class of 1992