Cleveland Media Association

November 2, 2007 Monthly Program

Lee University

Dr. Paul Conn, Lee University President

“Lee University and Soulforce Equality Riders:  A Case Study in Planning for a Visit from an Activist Group.” 

Dr. Paul Conn introduced the unique challenge Lee University

faced by an activist group visit. 

A panel of Lee University staff presented an impressive program at the November 2007 Cleveland Media Association monthly membership meeting.   Dr. Paul Conn introduced the unique challenge Lee University faced in 2006 by a visit of the activist group, Soulforce Equality.  He explained that visibility is often a healthy media relations goal for a thriving university.   But, when facing a visit by an activist group seeking media attention to promote their cause in 2006, diverting publicity quickly became an objective.

Dr. Conn then introduced the panel which engineered the plan to handle to event. 

Dr. Conn and 5 staff members shared their individual roles in the strategic development and its implementation.  “No condemnation, no compromise” was the position communicated to constituents of the university surrounding the event.  Dr. Conn said the university felt this position allowed for open-minded dialogue - should that prove to be the actual goal of the visiting activist group.  “‘No condemnation, no compromise’ truly reflects ‘who we are’ as an institution at our most basic level,” Dr. Conn reflected .