Letter to the Editor
October 5, 2008 by admin 
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Regarding your article on the new speaker policy (“University Clarifies Speaker Policy”), I appreciate the simplified approach to approving campus speakers. But after explaining the new policy in his interview, General Counsel Craig Parker caused even more confusion and condescension with his final statement: “If you want to see Hillary Clinton speak, there’s a great college three miles down the road.”
I want to remind Mr. Parker that Ms. Clinton is no longer running for anything, and therefore not a political candidate. She’s certainly no more partisan than Rick Santorum, who somehow received approval to appear on campus (advertised in a half-page ad on the previous page), despite his frequent appearances on talk shows and at fundraisers and political rallies, promoting his party’s agenda at every opportunity.
Ms. Clinton could be a positive and dynamic speaker for everyone here at Catholic U, no matter what their political inclinations. Her presence would also serve as an enormous inspiration for young women on campus. And such a prominent speaker could bring CUA a lot of positive media attention. Mr. Parker’s suggestion that students find some other school to hear interesting speakers does our own school a disservice. I’d like to think we have a “great college”, too!
Professor Jon Klein
Department of Drama
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As a 1988 graduate, I can’t tell you how dismayed I am to see statements like Craig Parker’s. CUA is continuing to proudly display its closed-minded attitudes. It’s no surprise that its reputation is plummeting. It’s hard to imagine getting a good education at a school that so blatantly limits varied voices and ideas.
Craigie,
That’s not cool to say. Hil is our friend.
Plus ca change, plus c’est la meme…
Twenty-plus years ago, the University did not permit Eleanor Smeal of the National Organization for Women to speak on campus because, among her many beliefs, she had advocated abortion rights. She spoke at a venue several blocks away off campus.
That same year, G. Gordon Liddy, convicted Watergate criminal, received student activity money to speak on campus. That meant that CUA administration approved this request.