Spring Break
Views vary on keynote speaker Thomas
Faculty to discuss issue in meeting
JOANN ANDERSON
Issue date: 4/22/08 Section: News
When hearing that Thomas would be the graduation speaker, "I was extremely pleased," Jason Hewell, a senior from Watkinsville, said in a phone interview Monday.
"My concern during my graduation was that I was afraid that the speaker would be someone who would have biased, liberal views," Hewell said.
"I feel like in the past, some of these speakers that [the University] has had, have had a political agenda during their keynote addresses. I think Thomas will be different from other speakers. I remember thinking [at past graduation ceremonies], 'It sure would be nice to have a conservative individual come to speak to the graduates.'"
To inform students about Thomas' past, Frick said she taught about him during her lecture classes Monday.
"I feel like it's our responsibility as professors to talk about current events when things arise," Frick said. "Many of the students had no idea who Clarence Thomas was, or why there was any controversy as his selection as a speaker ... people are still too young to remember the tremendous amount of media coverage during the Senate confirmation hearings."
Frick said many of her students thought Thomas should speak at graduation.
"I supported my students' right to say that," she said. "But I think it's important to model to students how you can peacefully protest decisions that are made ... we should be having a discussion of these things."
"My concern during my graduation was that I was afraid that the speaker would be someone who would have biased, liberal views," Hewell said.
"I feel like in the past, some of these speakers that [the University] has had, have had a political agenda during their keynote addresses. I think Thomas will be different from other speakers. I remember thinking [at past graduation ceremonies], 'It sure would be nice to have a conservative individual come to speak to the graduates.'"
To inform students about Thomas' past, Frick said she taught about him during her lecture classes Monday.
"I feel like it's our responsibility as professors to talk about current events when things arise," Frick said. "Many of the students had no idea who Clarence Thomas was, or why there was any controversy as his selection as a speaker ... people are still too young to remember the tremendous amount of media coverage during the Senate confirmation hearings."
Frick said many of her students thought Thomas should speak at graduation.
"I supported my students' right to say that," she said. "But I think it's important to model to students how you can peacefully protest decisions that are made ... we should be having a discussion of these things."
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 36
Janet Frick
posted 4/22/08 @ 6:43 AM EST
Thanks to the student writers at the red and black for their continued excellent media coverage. I'm glad that we are having a campus conversation about this; universities have historically been places where ideas are debated passionately. (Continued…)
Nick Ambrose
posted 4/22/08 @ 9:43 AM EST
I, for one, am very excited to have Justice Thomas speak at this year's commencement exercises. Its not because he and I have the same political viewpoint, its because his story is an inspiration to a new wave of graduates heading out into the world. (Continued…)
James
posted 4/22/08 @ 10:09 AM EST
It would be nice if some college professors would "grow up". Better yet, try to get a job in the private sector instead of playing "school" for your entire life. (Continued…)
Concerned Student
posted 4/22/08 @ 10:33 AM EST
For anyone interested in opposing or commenting on the fundamental arguments that Dr. Frick is making, please revisit your Intro to Logic textbook before posting. (Continued…)
Student
posted 4/22/08 @ 11:12 AM EST
I'm sorry, but James, do you even attend this school? If not, you really have no place in this debate. Ditto if you are not graduating or participating in graduation as a faculty member. (Continued…)
CoastalDawg
posted 4/22/08 @ 11:16 AM EST
Wow, I don't often make personal comments related to the posts of others but "Concerned Student" has my head swimming trying to find a logical and concluding point to the post. (Continued…)
zdawg8
posted 4/22/08 @ 11:19 AM EST
Justice Thomas has never been found guilty of perjury, obstruction of justice and especially sexual harrassment. Why attack him like he has been? How would Janet Frick like to be called false names? The whole deal is that she does not agree with him on his decisions and will believe anything bad about him. (Continued…)
Erica Crawford
posted 4/22/08 @ 11:41 AM EST
I am a graduating senior and I was pleased to hear that Supreme Court Justice Thomas was going to be speaking at my graduation. Yes, there were hearings back when I was a child, but he was not found guilty; and I feel that this being an issue today is to bring up an issue that has nothing to do with graduation. (Continued…)
Grad Student
posted 4/22/08 @ 12:38 PM EST
If timing were Dr. Frick's only concern, I could see the potential validity of her argument. But based upon the article it seems there may be other motivations for the opposition to Justice Clarence Thomas as a commencement speaker. (Continued…)
Brandon Register
posted 4/22/08 @ 2:11 PM EST
I just wish that the faculty who oppose the speech would be honest as to why they are opposed: because they are ultra liberal and Justice Thomas is a well-known conservative. (Continued…)
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