By: Brian Evans

In recent weeks, I… like too many others in Joplin… have faced serious accusations from an individual and group… This time they are claiming that I promote or support “hate speech.” These claims clearly and intentionally misrepresent my beliefs, and they have escalated beyond simple disagreement into attempts to target both my reputation and employment. That is not an example of tolerance… but rather, it is an effort to silence opposing viewpoints through both pressure and intimidation.

Because of the seriousness of these accusations, I have found it to be important enough to respond.

The individual making these claims is Barry Wingfield… who runs a facebook page known as “On Scene Nation.” Although he may be entitled to his opinions… with that right, also comes responsibility to represent others fairly. In this case, he has not done that. In fact, instead of engaging in honest dialogue, there has been a pattern of intentional targeting, labeling, mischaracterization, and personal attacks against myself and others.

At the heart of this issue is a growing contradiction in how “tolerance” is defined and applied. Many who claim to champion tolerance often extend it only to viewpoints they agree with. When confronted with perspectives rooted in Christianity or conservative values, the response is frequently not thoughtful discussion, but dismissal…through labels such as “racist,” “homophobic,” “hate-speech”, or the confusing and often mischaracterized term “Christian nationalist,” frequently used without evidence or genuine understanding of terminology or reality.

This raises an important question: can someone truly claim to stand for tolerance while actively attempting to silence or harm those who hold different beliefs? A standard that permits only one set of views is not tolerance… it is exclusion.

It is important to clarify what many of us actually believe. Individuals like myself and countless other Christians hold convictions shaped by our faith. These beliefs are not rooted in hatred, but in a sincere desire to live according to biblical principles. Like anyone else, we have the right to hold and practice those beliefs without being mischaracterized or pressured to abandon them.

At the same time, holding firm convictions does not mean rejecting others. I believe in treating every person with dignity and respect. My life includes friends, family members, and colleagues from many different backgrounds… people who are straight, gay, Black, Native American, white, Hispanic, and more. I value those relationships deeply. Disagreement on certain issues does not diminish a person’s worth, nor should it lead to hostility. Likewise, we should not be forced to abandon our religious and moral convictions or face hostility because of them.

There is, however, a growing trend to label disagreement itself as hate. Being told that one must set aside deeply held religious beliefs, alter core convictions, or refrain from raising one’s children according to those core beliefs crosses an important line. There are increasing pressures to accept policies and cultural shifts that many parents believe conflict with their responsibility to guide and protect their children.

For many, this includes concerns about privacy in restrooms and locker rooms, fairness in athletic competition, and the role of parents in shaping their children’s moral and ethical understanding. These concerns are often dismissed rather than respectfully addressed.
A free society must make room for both religious liberty and differing viewpoints… not demand that one conform to the other.

It becomes even more concerning when disagreement leads to coordinated efforts to damage reputations or livelihoods. That shifts the situation from open discourse into coercion and threats. In a truly free and tolerant society, ideas should be challenged through discussion… not suppressed through intimidation.

Another issue frequently misrepresented in these discussions is the concept of nationalism. Today, the term is often used in a distorted way, suggesting extremism or exclusion. In reality, nationalism… properly understood… is a sense of pride in one’s country and a commitment to prioritize the well-being of its citizens.

Supporting safe communities, secure borders, and policies that put Americans first is not rooted in hatred; it reflects a belief in national responsibility.

Attempts to label individuals as “Christian nationalists” appears to be a coordinated attempt to blur important distinctions. Christianity is a faith centered on spiritual beliefs and moral teachings, while nationalism relates to civic responsibility and national identity. Conflating the two… especially in ways that imply extremism, shuts down meaningful conversation and replaces it with fear-based rhetoric. That is why Fascist and Marxist regimes have targeted and slaughtered Christians throughout history.

In many cases, this labeling is used not to clarify, but to discredit. It creates confusion for readers and frames individuals in a negative light without addressing the substance of their views. It is a tactic that avoids debate rather than encouraging it.

There is also a broader philosophical issue at play: the increasing tendency to treat truth as entirely subjective. When truth is viewed as relative, disagreement is no longer seen as a difference of perspective, but as a moral violation. This makes productive conversation nearly impossible. A healthy society depends on the ability to pursue truth openly, test ideas, and engage in respectful disagreement.

Locally, it is worth noting the inconsistency in how these principles are applied… even within our own Joplin City Government’s leadership. Some political leaders… In particular, those aligned with more progressive viewpoints… have been quick to judge or criticize others for their beliefs while simultaneously advocating for tolerance and inclusion. When public officials hold others to a standard they are unwilling to apply to themselves, it undermines trust and deepens division.

This is not about partisanship; it is about fairness. If tolerance is to have any real meaning, it must extend to everyone… including those with religious and conservative perspectives.

Therefore, I welcome respectful dialogue. I am willing to explain my views, listen to others, and engage in honest conversation. But I will not accept false accusations, personal attacks, or attempts to undermine my livelihood simply because my beliefs differ from someone else’s. I will remain steadfast in my beliefs and defend what I believe in… stand in defense of my family and friends… and fight for truth, and for the soul of our great American nation! Most importantly, I will fight for God!

True tolerance means allowing space for disagreement. It means recognizing that a free society includes diverse perspectives… including those rooted in faith and conservative principles. If we are to move forward as a community, that principle must apply equally to all… not just to those who claim to define it.

I would also like to give my sincerest and deepest thanks to all the parents of current and former students… as well as current and former students who reached out to me to say they stand by me. Is all I can say is my heart is full!