Mr. Stuart Bell:
I woke up this morning to the startling news that the current Resident of the White House plans to be a commencement speaker at the University of Alabama. If this is true — at a time when the executive branch is wreaking havoc on higher education and free speech in this country, at a time when University of Alabama doctoral student Alireza Doroudi was seized from his Tuscaloosa apartment and is held in detention by ICE thugs, at a time when Harvard University is taking a bold stand for the rights of educational institutions throughout the United States — then I, as an alumnus of the University (B.A. — political theory, 1977; M.F.A. — theatre, 1988), am done with you and with the University.
As a retired educator, I do not have a lot of money to give to my alma mater, but I have dutifully kept up my alumni memberships, donated to scholarship funds, and given what and when I can. I have been a voice for the University’s integrity and have been a messenger for its academic excellence. I have often made the case that the University is much more than a football school (although I usually wore the colors proudly on game days). I have frequently voiced my distaste for the influence the University’s greek system and the Machine have on campus life, but I have also stressed the value of the University experience above and beyond that unfortunate reality.
The point is, I have always been a proud and vocal two-time graduate of the University. The announcement this morning, if true, has managed to instantly erase my loyalty and support. I am not denying the Resident’s free speech opportunities; he has plenty of bully pulpits and acolytes in which to spread his lies and misinformation. I am hoping that the graduation podium at an Alabama commencement will not be stained by his rambling authoritarian ideology at a time when his administration has launched a full-throttle attack on the meanings and purposes of free speech and the academy.
Over the years, I have often been surprised at the people chosen to deliver Alabama commencement speeches. They can do so much better than that, I have thought. I implore you to do better now.
Edward Journey
RESIST TYRANNY
RESIST TYRANNY
Professional Southerner 