Taylor University's Plan to Have Mike Pence Speak at Commencement Is Stirring Up Emotions

The selection of Vice President Mike Pence to give the commencement address next month at Taylor University (IN) has created a rift among students, alumni and faculty at the typically low-key, non-denominational Christian college. The controversy has elicited strong emotions on the private university's 952-acre campus at the edge of the small Grant County community of Upland, about 70 miles north of Indianapolis. More than 12,750 people — many of them students, alumni and parents — have signed competing petitions at change.org. One asks the administration to rescind its invitation, the other supports the Pence visit.