RELIGION

After Trump rift at Liberty University, students find unity

Associated Press
Published | Updated

In this Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016 photo, Liberty University president Jerry Falwell Jr., poses during an interview in his offices at the school in Lynchburg, Va. Falwell Jr. enthusiastically endorsed Donald Trump in January. As Liberty University grew from a tiny Baptist college into a touchstone institution for evangelicals, it also became a hub of conservative politics, a revolving door of politicians and their surrogates courting young voters. But this year, the campus was in the spotlight for another reason: a rift caused by Trump's candidacy that raised questions about the college president's influence, open discourse, and practicality versus principles in choosing a candidate. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) (The Associated Press)

In this Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016 photo, Liberty University president Jerry Falwell Jr., talks during an interview in his offices at the school in Lynchburg, Va. Falwell Jr. enthusiastically endorsed Donald Trump in January. As Liberty University grew from a tiny Baptist college into a touchstone institution for evangelicals, it also became a hub of conservative politics, a revolving door of politicians and their surrogates courting young voters. But this year, the campus was in the spotlight for another reason: a rift caused by Donald Trump's candidacy that raised questions about the college president's influence, open discourse, and practicality versus principles in choosing a candidate. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) (The Associated Press)

In this Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016 photo, Liberty University students study and talk in the library at the school in Lynchburg, Va. As Liberty University grew into a touchstone institution for evangelicals, it also became a hub of conservative politics. But this year, the campus was in the spotlight for another reason: a rift caused by Donald Trump’s candidacy. Now, students, faculty and others at the Virginia campus say they’re coming back together and are optimistic, like evangelicals elsewhere, that a Trump administration will mean progress on some of the religious right’s most important issues. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) (The Associated Press)

As Liberty University grew into a touchstone institution for evangelicals, it also became a hub of conservative politics. But this year, the campus was in the spotlight for another reason: a rift caused by Donald Trump's candidacy.

Now, students, faculty and others at the Virginia campus say they're coming back together and are optimistic, like evangelicals elsewhere, that a Trump administration will mean progress on some of the religious right's most important issues.

Liberty alumnus Johnnie Moore called it "a family fight" and said religious liberty and pro-life views are uniting people.

Students who penned columns and signed an anti-Trump statement say the incidents haven't diminished their love for the school.