Grads Walk Out on Anti-Gay Politician's Speech

[jbrowder24]

Around 100 U-M law students silently walk out in protest from their graduation ceremony as Law School Dean Evan Caminker announced commencement speaker Sen. Rob Portman. The students disliked Portman's anti-LGBT voting record, and returned to their ceremony when he finished speaking.

A pamphlet handed out by organizers to those at the ceremony read, in part:

"Senator Portman, in public life, has actively worked to deny some members of the graduating class their civil rights ... Our objection is not a political one ... rather we are concerned about the message Michigan Law is sending by giving an anti-gay rights speaker the honor of marking what should be a joyful occasion"

The letter also encouraged people to remain silent, so the senator was not boo'ed or anything. It was a nice dignified demonstration. Bravo to the class and organizers.
Full article: http://www.pridesource.com/article.html?article=46902

[East]

I would thank each one of them personally if I could. What they did mattered....alot.

[fredv3b]

Couldn't agree more.

[marshlander]

A dignified and very appropriate response that did not deny the senator his right to freedom of speech. If we are going to win more support we must be prepared on occasion to exercise near military discipline. Congratulations to all.