Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is taking his message to one of the most conservative colleges in the U.S., Liberty University.
The Vermont socialist is slated to address the evangelical university on September 14, as part of the school’s fall convocation.
“Liberty University was kind enough to invite me to address a convocation and I decided to accept. It goes without saying that my views on many issues – women’s rights, gay rights, education – are very different from the opinions of some in the Liberty University community,” Sanders said in a statement Wednesday of his expected appearance at the Rev. Jerry Falwell-founded school.
“I think it is important, however, to see if we can reach consensus regarding the grotesque level of income and wealth inequality in our country, about the collapse of the middle class, about the high level of childhood poverty, about climate change and other issues,” he added.
In March Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) officially announced his candidacy for president at Liberty. While the university has been an obvious fit for Republican speakers, Sanders’ appearance as a Democratic primary candidate is a bit out of the ordinary.
“It is very easy for a candidate to speak to people who hold the same views. It’s harder but important to reach out to others who look at the world differently. I look forward to meeting with the students and faculty of Liberty University,” Sanders said.