Students and Faculty Walked Out on Mike Pence’s Graduation Speech

This weekend, GOP actually stood for, "Get Out, Pence!"

Students and faculty at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, walked out of a graduation ceremony mere minutes before vice president Mike Pence was set to speak, the IndyStarreports.

Laura Rathburn, one of the people to walk out of the speech, said she was disappointed in Taylor administration for choosing Pence to speak. She wore a mortarboard with rainbow colors that read, "Ally Visible for Those Who Can't Be."

"I think his presence makes it difficult for everyone at Taylor to feel welcomed," she told the Star. Some wore stickers that said, "We are Taylor too," supporting marginalized people who have been hurt by Trump administration policies.

The IndyStar noted that most graduates did stay seated and gave Pence a standing ovation. During his speech, Pence spoke about the most persecuted group in America right now -- Christians!

"Throughout most of our American history it's been pretty easy to call yourself a Christian, but things are different now," Pence said. "Lately, it's become acceptable, even fashionable, to malign traditional Christian beliefs. So as you prepare to leave this place and build your life on a Christ-centered, world-engaging foundation poured here at Taylor University, be prepared to stand up."

Pence might be confusing all of Christianity being persecuted with his own brand of Christianity being criticized. Many times during his Democratic primary campaign, during his time on the campaign trail, South Bend, Indiana mayor and Democratic presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg has criticized Pence and president Donald Trump and their claims of faith-based values. Buttigieg recently went so far as to say that, if God could vote or support a political party, "I can't imagine it would be the one that sent the current president into the White House."

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