Wheaton College's lesson from Hastert

As a graduate of Wheaton College I believe strongly that this is an extraordinary teachable moment for the institution. The story of Dennis Hastert is simply tragic. This is no time for partisan gloating. Everyone is worthy of forgiveness.

But it's stunning how well this story lays bare the hypocrisy of political and religious conservatives and Wheaton College in particular.

On May 31, the college issued a statement announcing the removal of Hastert's name from its center on business, government and politics: "The Center will continue in its mission 'to advance the training of Wheaton College students and the greater community in the understanding of the redeeming effects of the Christian worldview on the practice of business, government and politics.'"

In light of a May 30 New York Times article, "After Speakership, Hastert Amassed His Millions Lobbying Former Colleagues," I ask Wheaton College's president and board of trustees what does the college consider to be "the redeeming effects of the Christian worldview on the practice of business, government and politics?" More specially, how did Hastert embody them?

Was it his vocal opposition against LGBT rights and equality? Was it his votes to approve and fund a war in Iraq resulting in countless deaths with a price tag exceeding $100 billion? Was it his earmarks for projects that brought him millions in personal profit? Was it the cover up of a colleague's scandal? Was it his highly profitable lobbying for the tobacco and coal industries?

If it took until May 30 for Wheaton College to distance itself from Hastert, does this imply that his political career was until now, acceptable, exemplary even?

The leaders of Wheaton College need to take a hard look at what the school publicly stands for and learn something from this tragic story.

Andy Blue

San Francisco