In the Union on Dec. 2, Todd Schmidt, an elder of the Laramie Faith Community Church, displayed a message targeting a university student.
Students crowded around T. Schmidt blocking his message from sight until Dean Ryan O’Neil asked him to take down the name of the student displayed.
O’Neil referred to one of many UW mission statements: Request may be denied for reasons which include, but may not be limited to, conflict with the mission of the University, conflict with the mission of the Wyoming Union, unfeasible setup/turnaround time, and historic negligence or abuse.
“It started when people saw the sign, particularly females. They were agitated, quickly making phone calls to spread my message. Then a bigger crowd gathered. They wanted to block my sign so nobody could see it, with them accusing me of being unkind and not friendly,” T. Schmidt said.
“I’m just trying to tell the truth and bring people to God. That’s all there is. There are not any more genders than that. Biology teaches everybody about that.”
T. Schmidt then went on to talk about how God created male and female and how men and women are meant to be together and how it is against God to stray away from the natural order.
Although T. Schmidt expressed he understood why part of the message was asked to be taken down, he thought it was unfair and against his freedom of speech.
“People would rather believe a lie than see the truth. There is nothing more loving than being a Christian and preaching the gospel. I am trying to show people the love of God,” T. Schmidt said.
T. Schmidt believes he is spreading the word of God, and helping those who he considers going against God’s words. T. Schmidt understands there are different religions and views in the world, but he believes there is one way to God and that is through Jesus Christ and living the life of the gospel.
The crowd has expressed mixed feelings toward the sign.
Levi Schmidt, son of Todd Schmidt, films many of his father’s tabling events at UW.
“When I arrived here to film today I saw the name on the sign and saw how much of a problem it caused. I did not know my father was going to put that name up.”
“Personally, I don’t know if I would have put the name on the sign, but on the other hand I don’t see the problem, ” L. Schmidt said.
L. Schmidt then went on to talk in support of his father, referencing several historical figures and passages from the Bible.
It’s sad that this individual claims ownership to the “mind” of God. I can think of many scriptures that entreat us to “Do unto others…” “Judge not…”
Our spiritual journey belongs to each individual. “Let he who is without sin…”
It would be a much better world if people would simply be kind and mind their own business.
If we truly want another to follow us, we must first become someone they wish to emulate.
The rules for setting up a table in the Union are too lax. Years ago he wouldn’t have been able to sit at a table at all.
And what exactly did this elder do that violated a rule? Was it immoral? No. Was it illegal? No. Conversely, what is going on with the person that the elder called-out, and rightfully so, that would lead to someone finally saying, “Enough is enough with condoning the sinfulness and sickness associated with sexual perversion”?
Actually, singling out a private citizen for harassment IS illegal.
Rings of The same hatred that targeted Mathew Shepard. This is bullying not free speech.
Ignorance and hate disguised as religious righteousness have no place a secular public university. Purposeful, mean-spirited targeting of another human being has no place anywhere. This is reprehensible behavior. I trust the University of Wyoming will denounce this act and reach out and offer resources to all affected people on campus. Still the Equality State, yes?
Mr. Schmidt is the quintessential example of theological arrogance. He has a right to believe there is only 1 path to his God, but he does not have the right to judge others who do not share his belief. The Christian gospel fuels this arrogance and perpetuates BLIND faith. Shame on this man for his closed mind and behavior that is not pleasing to God or no-God, whichever the case may be.
John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Hmmmm…Was Jesus being arrogant? Is there another way to God that Jesus, who was God incarnate, didn’t know about? Or is Rev. Lee simply accusing Jesus of being a liar?
As for judging, if Rev. Lee really believes judgment is prohibited, then why is Rev. Lee passing judgment? And then there’s that pesky Jesus fella, again, who said, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (Jn 7:24). Who would know more about the criteria for allowing Christians to judge, especially in matters of moral behavior? Jesus or Rev. Lee?
Finally, Rev. Lee’s hatred of Jesus is so glaring in his/her condemnation of the gospel that it is almost embarrassing to point it out. For the Christian gospel casts light upon sin, whereby the sinner can be set free from God’s wrath. It doesn’t blind anyone. Instead, it opens the eyes of those blessed enough by God to receive its gift.
So, the only “shame” here is the shameful response by this so-called “Reverend,” who has no clue who Jesus is, as the Gospel, much less what Almighty God requires to live a godly life in this life, or the one to come.
“People would rather believe a lie than see the truth. There is nothing more loving than being a Christian and preaching the gospel. I am trying to show people the love of God,”. This comment is outrageous and makes no sense. The “lie” you are preaching about can easily be turned towards religion. I personally think you would rather believe the “lie” of religion than see the truth. Funny how your words can be turned against you. There is no reason to subject students to discrimination and possible targeting. That goes against the “love of God” you are so adamant to teach. You must be aware of the rules and regulations the college has before you spew on about unfairness and freedom of speech. You went against the mission statements and regulations and therefore suffered the consequences of that. There is no hate like Christian love.
If UW doesn’t ban this man and his church from tabling in the Union (WHY ARE RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS ALLOWED TO TABLE ANYWAY??????), they are clearly not prioritizing the safety and well-being of their students. I cannot believe he was able to stay after the stunt he pulled. I like many of UW’s administrators as people, but they are missing the mark in a huge way here. Queer students need protected at UW and the school has not done anything to demonstrate their commitment to LGBTQIA+ individuals’ safety whatsoever. Shame on them for encouraging this behavior.
This, from the same State and Town that brought us Matthew Shepard?
Allowing a man on campus who has had several complaints for harassment against him, is a clear title IX violation. He’s knowingly and purposely creating a hostile environment for a protected class of students/faculty/staff. The branding iron needs to dig into THAT aspect of this embarrassment and report on why the university continues to allow a clear liability to trump student safety.
We NEED to have regulations on what messages are allowed to be promoted on UW campus. There is a big difference between free speech and bullying. Such messages promote hatred and violence towards students and make this campus unsafe.
I have two sons who attend UW. My younger son reported this disgusting sign and behavior to a UW staff member. UW promotes “see something, say something.”
According to UW’s website about the Wyoming Union…
“As an integral part of the University’s educational mission, the Wyoming Union fosters a sense of community by providing quality programs, services and facilities that promote development, embrace diversity, and cultivate loyalty to the University. The Wyoming Union provides a nurturing environment within which students are encouraged to pursue excellence, to develop leadership, and to realize their potential.”
NOTHING this man does at his table of hate and conspiracy theories fits with UW’s mission for the Wyoming Union. He needs to be removed from campus and find a new hobby.
Is it not interesting that every comment posted here is hostile toward the elder who called the person in question a male on his display? Especially when I know that I have posted responses to every one of the hostiles, and not one has been published? Is there something wrong with calling a male a male? Or is there something wrong with countering irrational arguments, if not downright libel and defamation? If I recall correctly, a university is supposed to be a place where the exchange of ideas is paramount, which would include the school newspaper, regardless if someone disagrees with the ideas or not. So, why has the BI taken it upon itself to be so prejudicially biased against certain views that it disagrees by censoring them?
Well-said!!