Speaking at the Haverford College commencement on Sunday, William G. Bowen, the former president of Princeton University, ripped students for campaigning against the previously scheduled commencement speaker, former UC Berkeley chancellor Robert J. Birgeneau. Students opposing Birgeneau’s appearance wanted to express their solidarity with UC students over Birgeneau’s decision to use force on students protesting rising tuition. (The Philadelphia Inquirer, May 18, 2014, by Susan Snyder)
But Lucia Graves, National Journal, May 20, 2014, objected to Bowens’ characterization of students as “immature” and “arrogant.” Graves reported that one of the student leaders of the protest against Birgeneau said they just wanted to inspire some debate on the issues raised by his appearance. Students did not plan to shout him down but instead wanted to wear buttons reading “Ask me about Robert Birgeneau.” The college did not disinvite Birgeneau; he withdrew on his own volition. “For students, commencement day is a rare chance to be heard,” wrote Graves.