Hundreds turn back on Schlafly at ceremony [View All]

[jefferson_dem]

Hundreds turn back on Schlafly at ceremony
By Kavita Kumar
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
05/16/2008



ST. LOUIS -- Some felt the silent protest with white armbands and the dramatic turning of backs was disrespectful.
But those who took part said it was a fitting way to show their disapproval that Washington University was honoring a woman whose views and life’s work they strongly disagree with.

For her part, Phyllis Schlafly, the 83-year-old at the center of the controversy, said she thought it was "juvenile" of students who were "raining on their own parade." But it didn’t ruin her moment, she said.

At today’s commencement ceremony held on a sunny Brookings Quadrangle, Schlafly did not seem to notice the hundreds of backs turned to her while a citation heralding her accomplishments was read. A tense hush settled over the gathering of more than 14,000 people. Schlafly responded with a tranquil smile she held for several minutes as she was given an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

Margaret Bush Wilson, a retired civil rights attorney, volunteered to introduce Schlafly as faculty and students were calling on the university to rescind the degree. Wilson said after the ceremony that while she does not agree with many of Schlafly’s views, she is a strong advocate of free speech.

"Vigorous, free-flowing debate is the cornerstone of our American life," Wilson said at today’s ceremony.

One of this country’s great virtues is that people don’t have to agree with one another, she added.

Thought you'd never hear me praise Phyllis Schlafly?" It is Phyllis Schlafly’s persona — not her politics or views — which is being recognized here today," she said.

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http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/6E6CC08CE8A684A88625744B00530609?OpenDocument