Archive for June, 2002
Protesters’ concerns linger after graduation ceremony
The June 14 commencement address delivered by President Bush stirred young graduates to action, both through volunteerism and political activism. But controversy has erupted over the university’s response to potential protesters and protesters present at the address. Graduates, and all guests, were asked to respect the president and not to obstruct the view or hearing of others, said Ohio State University spokesman Randy Dunham. “It’s a graduation, a celebration,” Dunham said. “We expected there to be some dissent, but we did not expect there to be any disruption or behavior that got out of hand.” “This is not an issue of the First Amendment; no one was told you can’t protest,” Dunham said. Only one man, from Marion, Ohio, was arrested for not putting out a cigarette while in the stadium, Dunham said. Justin Schwartz, a 1998 graduate of the Moritz College of Law, sent a letter to many university officials “about the suppression of free speech and peaceful dissent” of protesters. “The university officials threatened to use their power to stop constitutional rights,” Schwartz said. “People were terrified to speak out,” Schwartz said. “It’s not surprising he did not get a lot of opposition.” Gillian Davis from the American Civil Liberties Union said the ACLU is “concerned” and is investigating allegations of First Amendment rights violations of protesters. Full Story
Scholars to receive funding
Ohio State will get some help in its efforts to attract top-notch faculty. Last week the House and Senate passed a bill allocating $50 million as an initiative to be used in university research. Full Story
