Reporters recently relied on MTSU faculty and staff for insight into several issues, including vaccine mandates, the First Amendment, voter suppression laws, critical race theory, bullying in schools and other subjects.

Dr. John Vile

Dr. Richard Tarpey

Dr. John Vile, dean of the University Honors College and a political scientist, analyzed whether President Biden’s executive order mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for federal contractors is an abuse of power on the Sept. 20 edition of “Open Line” on NewsChannel5+. The video can be seen here.

Vile also wrote an editorial on how the debate over mask-wearing and COVID-19 vaccinations complicates political labeling that was published Sept. 27 in the Memphis Commercial Appeal. The essay can be accessed here.

Vile explained evangelicals’ perception of the world as it pertains to their allegiance to former President Donald Trump in an Oct. 5 story in The Christian Science Monitor. His comments are available here.

Dr. Richard Tarpey, an assistant professor of management, said employees who are against vaccine mandates on religious grounds should be prepared to articulate their beliefs in a Sept. 21 article by Projin News. His views can be read here.

Ken Paulson, director of the Free Speech Center, said cursing the President of the United States is protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in a Sept. 23 article in USA Today. His remarks can be accessed here.

Ken Paulson

Paulson also expressed concern about the results of The Freedom Forum’s survey titled “The First Amendment: Where America Stands” in an Oct. 2 article at www.salinapost.com. His views can be read here.

Paulson commented on former President Donald Trump’s attempt to get Twitter to reinstate his account in an Oct. 4 report on WZTV-TV in Nashville and numerous other television stations. The story can be accessed here.

Paulson asserted that a proposed law to stifle music with lyrics some might find objectionable in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is unconstitutional in an Oct. 3 report by www.myhorrynews.com. His views can be read here.

Dr. Mary A. Evins

Dr. David Wood

Dr. Mary Evins, a research history professor and coordinator of the American Democracy Project for Civic Learning, explained how voter suppression laws hurt white voters in a Sept. 25 story by CNN Online. Her comments are available here.

Dr. Dave Wood, Martin Chair of Insurance, assessed the impact of COVID-19 on demand for car insurance and factors that will affect the price of insurance in the future in a Sept. 27 article at www.wallethub.com. His views can be read here.

Dr. Jackie Gilbert

Dr. Claudia Barnett

Dr. Jackie Gilbert, a professor of management, cited administrative action as a key to stopping bullying in schools in a Sept. 27 story in U.S. News and World Report. Her views can be read here.

Dr. Claudia Barnett, a professor of English, explained her new play, “Outside of Here,” a 12-hour theatrical event, in a Sept. 28 article at www.broadwayworld.com. Her remarks can be accessed here.

Dr. Sekou Franklin

Dr. Sekou Franklin, an associate professor of political science and international relations, explained why so many state lawmakers are creating anti-critical race theory bills in a Sept. 30 article in USA Today. His comments are available here.

Reporters seeking expertise from MTSU personnel, as well as members of the campus community with expertise for media, may contact Gina Logue in the Office of News and Media Relations at 615-631-8322 or via email at gina.logue@mtsu.edu.

— Gina K. Logue (gina.logue@mtsu.edu)