Pensacola Christian College

First I would like the thank everyone's boldness in speaking out in this matter because too many time people have been too quiet about an issue until it is too late; in addition, I want to let him know of my concern and prayers in sharing his daughter's situation because I, too, have been a casualty at PCC.

Given that fact, many would immediately assume that am jumping at the opportunity to lash out at the College because this happened to me personally -- me, my life, my future.

I had been dismissed not because of a policy violated, but of exposing the lack of that policy thereof. In order to protect the perfect system, otherwise put it, the "Spirit of the College", I was asked to leave so that others would not repeat the same "offence" -- the word so beautifully spung by the administration as -- "something unintentional that you have no idea you did but we are punishing you for it because it would be to our embarrassment if someone finds out that we are not a perfect institution with perfect people that never make mistakes nor need to learn by showing mercy and forgiveness and giving people a chance".

I have done nothing wrong -- in man's eyes, nor in God's eyes; however, I felt like the old beaten slave that was hanged before a crowd to remain as a reminder of the power of an authoritarian. They have believed a lie about me that was not true. Undoubtedly, their decision was not right, much less wise or even humane, but all we can do is to pray for them and ask God to shed light upon them so that they would not be so blinded by their own ambition, goal, vision, and pride.

In life, wherever you go, you will experience unfairness, inequality, and many times be taken advantage of. True, this should mean that in a Christian setting, one should be able to see even less of such. However, they are still HUMAN. They are simply people, just like the rest of us who may not agree with them completely, that are trying to serve God in their own understanding. We do no justice, no benefit, nor comfort in huddling together to criticize--we should feel BAD for them. We should pray for them. Are we not all soldiers for Jesus Christ? Are we not all fighting the same battle? Soldiers do not aim at their comrads. True we may have different opinions and convictions, but let us not give satan the ground to breed contentions, for when we aim at each other, we all lose.

Finally, I am in no way defending the position of anyone, neither am I attempting to stir up an argument. However, as I mentioned earlier, it is two-sides of a coin that people need to see. If one is bold enough to stand out and address one side, someone else needs to be bold enough to address the other. This is coming out of the heart of an ex-PCC student that still has the highest regard for the college even though I have suffered much grief and disappointment through my experience, maybe much more than most of you. Being an international student, I left the school with almost nothing when I was dismissed. I had no home to go back to, no money, no job, and I helped out at a restaurant for a while just to have food to eat. But I sought grace not from the administration, but from the only one that can give grace and peace beyond understanding -- Jesus Christ.

5th Year Female -- Class 2004

Campus Maintenance: A+, Individual Value: C

Almost ten years later, after several graduate degrees from state institutions, I can look back and evaluate my educational experience at PCC. I hold no grudge against the school; I chose to attend there. I am a conservative fundamentalist, but I should not have attended. Here are some insights.

Most students attend PCC not because they have a good idea as to their future career, but because they have certain aspirations as to their future—a beautiful mate, a decent job, a loving Christian family, etc. They are usually drawn more for romantic notions than rational considerations. This brings some problems as well as severe aggravation. “Dating”, to use the term loosely, was pushed by the administration with every opportunity, at some points asking single students to raise their hands in general assembly. A date consisted of a) the Palms Grill, or b) church, or c) the next fine arts production. In actuality, there was a small cluster of “model” good-looking students who had the attention of half of the school. About seven males and females became the focus of attention.

Normally, this would not be a problem (we’ve all been to high school), except in this particular environment there are no legitimate outside groups that flourish in normal society. All of the groups that you can, and YOU WILL run to for social company will be morally decent students who cannot help but be disgusted by the same things that you are. For those who do not feel they are happy in the system, they feel petty pleasures in tiny, silly rebellions. They drive around and listen to music together. They “sneak” off campus and go wear jeans to Wal-Mart. They hang out in the dorm and play cards—with the door closely guarded of course. The students are great, and I made some great friends. These are also the students with high risk of disciplinary action--in other words, the average student.

Here is some good advice to anyone considering attending:

1. If you are planning to major in a social science, meaning that you will require graduate school, consider other private conservative schools (Patrick Henry, Hillsdale, etc). There are many other private faith-based schools that incorporate a Great Books education that you can attend that will not compromise your faith. Sometimes evangelicals are simply not aware of all of their options. I recommend this because the first lesson that became clear after further education was that I had not learned to think analytically. I did not receive a good education in the field, but rather a very narrow understanding of it. I never questioned my own opinions, and therefore I could not make a good argument for them. While I am openly a very conservative Christian, I would never tell a colleague that I attended PCC, even if for a short time, in fear that they would recognize its name. Blind dogmatism rather than an appreciation for the truth of the Scripture is emphasized. You will continue to memorize; you will not learn to think.

2. I understand the arguments about the rules. I experienced them. But be forewarned. While right now you may feel correctly that those who attend do so upon their own decision, recognize that the social setting and disciplinary rules do not just affect those who come with rebellious attitudes. A constant rotation of “shadowed” students filed in and out of the system while I was there, and often their violations were petty. My first roommate, a hall leader, used to wait under the staircase in the administrative building to catch guys loosening their ties. I constantly received worthless demerits for things that would only frustrate and provoke. When constantly bombarded with the pettiness of the rules and the possible consequences, one must consider whether it is a simple matter of a positive attitude. Those wanting to be closer to God will find that the rules really do conflict with your learning. Hardly a night goes by without some mandatory meeting or required ceremony. Hardly a day passes without being shuffled from one building to another, rushing around in hot clothing in ninety-degree weather. Bar-coded cards are issued, and these must be turned in. If there is a mix-up, you now must stand in line to explain yourself in committee. Evenings devoted to quiet study seldom came, and those contemplative moments are essential to Christian growth.3. Do NOT work in Food Service! DO NOT do it. If you apply for work service, have your parent insist you not be placed in Food Service, and have them call and complain and threaten your withdrawal when you are! The reason is simple. Your time essential for studying will be siphoned away at low wages while you stay after hours to do what could never be finished on your night shift. On your day shifts, you will rush to class hardly cleaned, with bits of bright orange, sticky food pulp stained into your fingernails and skin, and you will receive no understanding if you cannot change and make it to class in the ten minute space after your shift is done. I cannot overemphasize this enough. If you want to make your life at PCC miserable and intolerable, work in Food Service!

2nd Year Male -- Class 1995

Campus Aesthetics: A+, Education Quality: D-

I made the decision to go to PCC knowing the rules upfront. The campus is beautiful. I made some good life long friends. I would say most of the course work was above average. I entered into an MBA program at a State University, and they were using the Accounting book I had my freshman year at PCC. However, in order to control and manipulate the students to come out with a unified belief system, they actually may turn students away from a relationship with Jesus Christ. Rather than solidfying what I believed as a Christian, their strict interpretation of absolutes caused me to question my faith when I left. And I questioned God's forgiving Grace. There is a place for certain students that need or want a school like PCC. Please go and enjoy your 4 years. However, PCC is DEFINITELY not for everyone. Parents, please don't force your teenager to go there if they aren't wanting to be there. That is what causes some of the bitterness that people have. I can tell you that when I was there, I viewed my 75 demerits as an expense account. I knew I could break so many rules without getting campused. I used them. I wish the college would acknowledge that there are hurting students at their school. Some come from rigid homes that are uncaring. Some come from broken families. It is only to get more complex in the upcoming years. I wish they would learn what God's GRACE really is and show it. Good luck to those of you who chose to go!!!

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000