Atlanta, GA 4/26/2008 12:35:42 AM
News / Education

Jerry Springer Chosen As Commencement Speaker at Northwestern; Students Protest

Northwestern University law students are protesting the selection of Jerry Springer as a commencement speaker.

 

As a 1968 Northwestern graduate, Springer was chosen to address the class of 2008 during spring commencement exercises at the Chicago law school. Reports from both the New York Post’s Page Six and the legal blog Above the Law indicate the decision has angered students.

 

A letter being circulated by students at Northwestern’s law school read, “Although we understand that in some respects Mr. Springer represents the best (and also the worst) of American First Amendment rights, we do not believe that he is worthy of addressing the Class of 2008.”

 

Northwestern Law School Dean David E. Van Zandt defended the decision. “Mr. Springer is an alumnus who has held public office as a city council member and mayor of Cincinnati. He has had a very successful career in the news and entertainment industries.” He added, “We look forward to Mr. Springer’s participation at commencement.”

 

The 62-year old Springer appeared in 2006 on “Dancing with the Stars” and hosts “The Jerry Springer Show.”

 

 

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