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WEEKLY NEWS 1: Students Pay for Author to Speak at University

An author, who has criticized President Bush, spoke at Florida Gulf Coast University after students offered to pay her expenses. Terry Tempest Williams had originally intended to give a speech before the election, but university president William Merwin decided to delay it until afterwards for reasons which included her criticism of President Bush in her book, "The Open Space of Democracy."

Since Williams is openly critical of President Bush in her book, President Merwin did not want to use state money to fund a speech given by someone who might advocate political views favoring one presidential candidate over the others. In addition, all freshman students would have been required to attend the program. Florida Gulf Coast University's board of trustees supported Merwin's decision in a 10-1 vote in favor of delaying the author's speech.

Students took action, however, and campus student groups such as the College Republicans and College Democrats contacted the author and arranged to pay for her travel and lodging expenses as long as she would speak on Sunday. Williams agreed and did not charge her usual $5,000 speaking fee.

Williams spoke to approximately 300 students and told them, "Oppression of any kind depends on obedience. Thank you for your very civil disobedience." She did not speak about her personal political views to the students. Instead, she focused on the freedom of expression and the importance of participating in the democratic process. She also encouraged students to debate and ask questions. Merwin was glad that the author visited the university but was concerned that the speech was not balanced.

--Written by Renee Clara

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