Recently, I shared a justifiably angry letter to the President of the University of Alabama, expressing my concern over the announcement that the current Resident of the White House plans to speak at the University in conjunction with the University’s spring graduation.

Since then, I have gathered more information and it has become clear that the Resident was not invited for the occasion but has coerced himself into the weekend and that the University has complied by adding a special ticketed event for anyone who cares to listen to the speech (I assure you, the speech will likely be well-attended). I suspect that this was the brainstorm of people like Katie Britt, Alabama’s junior Senator who specializes in earnestly smiling through fake tears whenever she has an audience, and the Alabama Republican Party, which has a strong influence these days on anything that happens in our state.

Some Context: I am reminded of a series of Garry Trudeau’s “Doonesbury” comics from 1974, at the height of the Watergate scandal. Nixon’s people are trying to find a place in the United States where he might be welcomed. They find the (fictional) town of “Fritters, Alabama! Population 1,635. All white. 95% of work force working on government contracts! It’s perfect, sir!” I don’t want my alma mater to be the next Fritters.

It’s sad, but true, and I understand the University administration’s dilemma. However, I still question the complicity. Based on what I can gather, the University has either entered into a Faustian bargain or capitulated like Vichy France. Or both. Either way, it’s a disgrace and embarrassment for many who were once proud graduates of the University. I’m not proud today.

Obviously, I am taking this personally. The University has been very concerned with its “brand” in recent years. The brand is taking a major hit now. I hope steps are being taken to address the damage. I have an easy first suggestion: The University President should sign onto “A Call for Constructive Engagement,” a document signed by dozens of college and university presidents addressing federal overreach in higher education. It is an outstanding statement addressing the current crisis in American education. I was surprised that the University of Alabama was not among the signatories.

It’s not too late to fix this, President Bell. And, in the meantime, University of Alabama doctoral student Alireza Doroudi is still being held in ICE detention.