Consulting firm telling SOU to cut arts and social programs is sponsoring Trump's upcoming Christian nationalist celebration "rededicating America to God"
I just learned that Deloitte, the firm encouraging Southern Oregon University to cut creative writing, music, women and gender studies and international studies is also listed among the primary sponsors for Trump's Freedom250 celebration, kicking off on May 17 with an event the administration calls "a revival", and "rededicating America to God".
Some of the main forces sponsoring this event alongside Deloitte are the Heritage Foundation, of Project 2025 notoriety, far-right Christian Hillsdale College, Museum of the Bible and Religious Broadcasters Association to name a few.
If you're still not sure this event will have a Christian Nationalist flavor, some of the speakers are:
- Evangelical revisionist historian Eric Metaxas, known for using his large platform to promote election conspiracy theories and encouraging Christians to "infiltrate the government",
- Self-described Christian Nationalist Sean Feucht, who gained traction by holding large worship events flouting pandemic safety protocols and is connected to far right extremist groups,
- Trump's spiritual advisor and grifting televangelist Paula White-Cain, who offers to assign personal guardian angels for $1,000 each,
- Outspokenly Christian Nationalist pastor Mark Driscoll, who is on his second Gilead-style megachurch after leaving Seattle-based Mars Hill amid scandal.
These are just a few of the overt extremists involved in putting on this event aimed at presenting a merging of the government with a violent, xenophobic and misogynistic brand of religion.
As part of its $15 million bailout for Southern Oregon University, the Oregon legislature required SOU to spend $500,000 on a budget reduction plan from Deloitte.
This plan was not approved last friday at a special board meeting, but trustees noted that Deloitte's plan would be "foundational" for their new plan, one they have six weeks to complete.
But should SOU trust Deloitte?
This is the same firm that got caught citing fake, AI-generated research in a multi-million dollar consultation with a Canadian government agency.
How can Oregonians put up with the recommendations made by a firm donating to put grifters and bigots on a national stage representing our country?