We, the undersigned friends of John Brown University-students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and global citizens, petition with heavy hearts. 

On Thursday, February 2nd, 2017, JBU will host Mike Huckabee on campus and Mr. Huckabee will talk with our students about "Civic Leadership". According to the Press Release, Dr. Pollard, "wants to encourage students to consider how our Christian faith can impact public service...and that Gov. Huckabee's career in the ministry, in government service and on the national campaign trail has given him a unique perspective on the intersection of religion and politics. We are grateful for the opportunity for the governor to share from his experience with our students.”

Mr. Huckabee has been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump's vision for America and each of Trump's staff appointees. These include Jeff Sessions who he calls a "great choice" for Attorney General and Steve Bannon, the alt-right member whose commitment to white nationalism presents a conflict for serving non-white communities in America and abroad. 

In light of these concerns, we, the undersigned individuals, strongly urge the leadership of JBU and President Pollard to make a specific, public reaffirmation to mercy and justice in the introduction of Mr. Huckabee. We request the university make a STRONG YES to justice and mercy in the denouncing of: 

1. America First Evangelical Christianity
2. Islamophobia
3. Racial injustice
4. Police Brutality
5. Homophobia
6. Neglect for refugees and the closing of our borders to the most vulnerable
7. Sexual Assault on Women

Mr. Huckabee's twitter provides sufficient evidence that his civic leadership message promotes Islamophobia, homophobia, nationalist Christianity, police brutality, racial injustice and neglect for refugees. His silence on social media in addressing Trump's language of sexual assault on women reveals he is compliant with Trump's language.

Dr. Pollard knows well scripture's command for us to be people of mercy and justice as he eloquently preached from his sermon on Amos in his August 25, 2016 chapel sermon. We urge JBU to reconsider the integrity of future chapel speakers and we hope that JBU will consider how to rebuild the trust it has shaken with the consistent platform we give to politicians who don't share our commitments to Christ's justice and mercy.

We strongly urge Dr. Pollard to make a public reaffirmation of what is right and true and to do so in the presence of Mr. Huckabee. Please JBU, make a stand for mercy and call out these injustices that have been promoted by the civil leadership of Mr. Huckabee. By ignoring our concerns, JBU shows that they are turning away from the afflicted and our command to love our neighbors when it matters most.