Posted on 02/13/2003 5:08:22 PM PST by goodnesswins
Some object to UWT graduation speaker
David Wickert; The News Tribune
Some University of Washington Tacoma students are upset that the lawyer who successfully argued Roe v. Wade before the U.S. Supreme Court will be this year's commencement speaker.
Sarah Weddington is a former Texas legislator, a former Carter administration official and an author who speaks frequently on effective leadership. But to concerned UW students, she will always be associated with the controversial 1973 Supreme Court case that legalized abortion. And they worry her speech will politicize a ceremony meant to honor their hard work and accomplishments.
"We're faced with this choice: Should I go to my own commencement if it can be construed that I support what she represents?" said senior Pete Reeves.
Reeves was one of about 20 students who attended a campus forum on the controversy Wednesday. Many of those who attended were unhappy with the university's choice of speaker for the June 13 commencement.
"I've worked a very long time to get where I'm at at this commencement exercise," said senior Angie Olson. "We're going into this not knowing how much of a political agenda is going to be levied against a captive audience."
"I don't want my family remembering my commencement as, 'Oh, the abortion lady spoke,' " added senior Christy Donahue.
Some were especially upset that UW administrators did not consult students about the commencement speaker, as they have in the past.
Steve Smith, UW Tacoma's associate director of student services, said the decision to invite Weddington was made last August after Chancellor Vicky Carwein and others met Weddington at the Museum of Glass opening in July.
Smith said he's seen Weddington speak, and that she's dynamic. He also thought a nationally known speaker would raise the campus' profile.
Smith said student involvement in the decision would have been desirable. But in August, he said, it's difficult to find students on campus.
Smith announced Weddington would be the commencement speaker the day before the Jan. 22 anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. But he said he the timing was a coincidence and that he did not intend it to be an endorsement of Weddington's views.
Several students at the forum said Weddington is a good choice for commencement speaker.
"I'm really interested in what she has to say," said graduate student Gloria Farman.
"She spoke successfully before the Supreme Court at (age) 26," added senior Suzanne Andre. "That's an accomplishment."
UW officials will hold a second forum at 5:40 p.m. today in Keystone Auditorium. Smith said he was surprised by the student reaction and said the university will review its policies on selecting commencement speakers.
David Wickert: 253-274-7341 david.wickert@mail.tribnet.com
Bullship. She LIED successfully before the Supreme Court. Roe v Wade is based on lies!
Vicky Carwein, Chancellor
University of Washington, Tacoma
1900 Commerce Street, Tacoma, WA 98402-3100
(253) 692-5646; FAX (253) 692-5649
or
Steve Smith; Co-Director for Diversity and Minority Affairs
Phone: (253) 692-4404; FAX: (253) 692-4414
E-mail: smithsl@u.washington.edu
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