For Members Only President Zachary Parker has had a tough time convincing people that Northwestern President Henry Bienen is open to the idea of Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright coming to campus.
Over the summer, Bienen gave Parker the OK to bring Wright — before plans were finalized to have the controversial reverend speak at Northwestern on Nov. 7. But Parker said that when he told this to students, he was given “weird looks.”
So he asked Bienen to put his approval in writing, which he did in a letter that Parker received Tuesday, saying that Wright is “welcome to speak on the university campus.”
“Northwestern University should welcome speakers who espouse views that some may find controversial,” Bienen wrote. “Civil dialogue can and should lead to better understanding of different perspectives.”
Last spring, the university and FMO butted heads when the university rescinded its honorary degree offer to the pastor “in light of the controversy around Dr. Wright,” according to a May 1 statement.
The move angered leaders of black student and alumni organizations at the time, prompting Parker to write in an open letter to Bienen, “the sentiment among the Black student body is one of contempt, disdain and disappointment for the university’s decision.”
Parker said Wednesday in light of Bienen’s letter that he was “pleased to know the president does respect the value of freedom of speech,” and that Bienen’s support — without endorsing Wright’s views — falls in line with the meaning of the event. FMO is not asking for people to agree with Rev. Wright, Parker said.
Wright was thrust into the national spotlight when his remarks — including “God damn America” — brought media attention upon his links to Presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Bienen’s letter is reprinted below:
Mr. Zachary Parker
President, FMODear Zachary:
I have been asked many times since FMO announced that Reverend Wright was coming to campus how I feel about this event. My answer is that I welcome speakers who are sponsored by a duly designated campus organization. Northwestern University should not shy away from hearing many different and differing views. Northwestern University should welcome speakers who espouse views that some may find controversial. Civil dialogue can and should lead to better understanding of different perspectives.
Reverend Wright is welcome to speak on the University campus. I am sure he will have a large audience. I hope that he has a respectful one and that the dialogue that ensues will be constructive.
Good luck with this event
Sincerely
Henry Bienen