Government job fair at Christian university 'disturbing'

Dear Editor, I recently received information from U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley and State Assemblyman Joe Patterson advising me about the December job fair being held at Jessup University in Rocklin. Kiley's website states: "Thousands of Jobs. Dozens of Employers. One Location." "Over 40 federal, state, and local agencies are attending." The list of the participating agencies clearly shows this is a government job fair, which includes ICE, a flashpoint for those of us who embrace and love our immigrant neighbors. Job fairs can be important. However, holding a Government Job Fair at a Christian university is disturbing. I visited the Jessup University website and reviewed their mission statement. I also reviewed the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The "William Jessup University Foundational Documents" state: "In partnership with the Church, William Jessup University exists to educate transformational leaders for the glory of God." The First Amendment states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." Within the Jessup Foundational Documents: "We believe that differing theological worldviews are welcome in the University community: 1) for the purpose of bringing students to a knowledge of Christ through repentance and conversion." Quoting the founder, William Jessup, "The best way to change culture is to start a church. The way to start a church is to start a college." The Jessup Foundational Documents articulate an intolerance for differing spiritual and ethical beliefs. This Government Job Fair, to be held at Jessup and embraced by our Republican government representatives, is disturbing and disregards our community members whose faith and beliefs differ from the extremes of the Jessup philosophy. In hosting a Government Job Fair at a Christian university, which makes no secret of its evangelical mission, our Republican representatives have chosen to cast aside the restrictions of the First Amendment. Jessup's philosophies do not reflect the broad religious and spiritual diversity of our community. Citizens seeking employment with our government should be welcomed at a venue free from religious decrees and philosophies. Emily Gaber Auburn