Liberty has also been criticized for inviting speakers to its Convocations<ref>Convocation is a thrice-weekly gathering of the student body, featuring music and a guest speaker; attendance is mandatory for students except they are allowed two excused absences a year, to be approved ahead of time.</ref> who do not necessarily agree with the school's doctrinal position or having past conduct issues. Among the criticized invitees are socialist Presidential candidate [[Bernie Sanders]] and former NFL quarterback [[Michael Vick]] (who went to prison for his role in a dogfighting operation)<ref>http://www.liberty.edu/news/index.cfm?PID=18495&MID=255717</ref>. | Liberty has also been criticized for inviting speakers to its Convocations<ref>Convocation is a thrice-weekly gathering of the student body, featuring music and a guest speaker; attendance is mandatory for students except they are allowed two excused absences a year, to be approved ahead of time.</ref> who do not necessarily agree with the school's doctrinal position or having past conduct issues. Among the criticized invitees are socialist Presidential candidate [[Bernie Sanders]] and former NFL quarterback [[Michael Vick]] (who went to prison for his role in a dogfighting operation)<ref>http://www.liberty.edu/news/index.cfm?PID=18495&MID=255717</ref>. |