Posted on 02/20/2002 12:56:25 PM PST by vannrox
DAILY BRUIN ONLINE - Wednesday, February 20, 2002
Students protest Bush speaking at commencement
GRADUATION: Credentials and politics of first lady criticized; critics want invitation recalled
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| The Associated Press | ||
| First lady Laura Bush (middle) talks with Japanese Emperor Akihito (right) | ||
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Despite being 3,000 miles away, Laura Bush fueled debate between administrators and students who objected to the possibility of having the first lady speak at this year's commencement ceremony.
Students in the Graduate School of Education & Information Studies met with Dean Aimee Dorr on Friday to demand that she rescind the invitation to Bush.
Critics cited Bush's "shallow credentials" and complained they were not allowed to participate in the selection of their commencement speaker.
"We're disappointed that the selection for a student event had no student input," said Estela Zarate, a doctoral student in education.
The dean is usually the one who formally invites commencement speakers. In this case, Chancellor Albert Carnesale sent the invitation because it is general practice for the chancellor to do so when the university contacts the heads of state.
Carnesale, who sent off the invitation in early February under the recommendation of the school, said Tuesday that "it is extremely unlikely" he would rescind the invitation.
"She seems to me to be an entirely appropriate speaker," Carnesale said of Bush, a former teacher, librarian and current education advocate.
"Having had a career in education and information studies, she's been dedicated to those areas, as has been demonstrated by her actions," he added.
Dorr said she selected five candidates to speak – of which Bush is ranked first – based on discussions with the school's faculty executive committee, which is comprised of department leaders and two student representatives. The committee serves an advisory function to the dean.
The other four candidates were not disclosed.
"I'm really sorry there is this much agitation," Dorr said Friday, promising to increase student involvement in future selections.
Many students warned Dorr of the political implications of inviting Bush to speak at the commencement.
"She was selected for her political celebrity," said Tara Watford, a doctoral student in education.
"The commencement speaker should speak to us based on achievements in the field," she said. "(Bush) has no merit."
Watford then read a quote in which Bush allegedly admitted to becoming a librarian to expand her dating circle.
Bush's advocacy for early literacy and her efforts to combine education and librarianship make her a suitable candidate to speak at commencement, Dorr said. She also said having Bush speak would help the department become more well known.
"It's a way to have students and the school more visible," Dorr said.
Students don't necessarily have to agree with the political views of the commencement speaker, Dorr said.
"Campus has to be a place where people of different views can speak," she said. "The ceremony involves a lot of people and has to work for a lot of people."
Whenever the university invites a speaker in a political position, some students are bound to disagree, Carnesale said.
"That is not a reason to exclude somebody from speaking," he said.
But, some say, a commencement is not the right forum for Bush to speak, since she will get the last word.
Having Bush speak at the department's commencement would also incur extra costs.
According to John Bollard, director of student services for GSE&IS, preliminary figures he received from the Secret Service indicated an additional $55,000 would need to be spent on top of normal commencement expenses. The extra cost would pay for increased security and a press room.
Though Bush has been invited to speak, it is not definite she will accept.
"We all see it as a long shot," Dorr said.
After the meeting, Zarate said she hopes students in the department will protest the invitation and the appearance should Bush accept.
"We will not stand by and allow her presence to go uncontested," Zarate said.
With reports from Linh Tat, Daily Bruin Senior Staff.
Sometimes the best thing to do is be quiet and let your enemies make fools of themselves.
No Estela, Graduation is a School event. I typed that slowly, because I know you don't read too fast! Apparently at the UCLA Graduate School of Education and Informational Science, adults are in-charge.
They'd like Bush if they knew how to gather information.
Watford then read a quote in which Bush allegedly admitted to becoming a librarian to expand her dating circle.
Well, the students are learning how to become socialist propaganda artists and homosexuals.
I vote Mrs. Bush is much better qualified to speak on the subject of educated information. She can read.
"We will not stand by and allow her presence to go uncontested," Zarate said.
"Only we, the ignorant academia pawns have the right to free speach!!!!"
Estela, is providing another example of why our public schools are going to **** in a handbasket. What kind of cheese does she want with her 'whine'?
The Tarheel
What self righteous garbage! This is typical of the drivel that infests the leftist indoctrinated youth on campuses today. This type is going to be in for a real surprise when they exit the insular communist utopia of a university campus and have to enter the real world.
Owl_Eagle
”Guns Before Butter.”
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