Ben Stein was supposed to be the commencement speaker at the University of Vermont, but he withdrew when the pick grew controversial.
Stein endorses theories of "intelligent design" and criticizes evolution theories. This rankles many scientists, some of Vermont's academics included.
Does Stein have a right to his opinion? Does he have a right to air it at public university's graduation? What if his remarks had nothing at all to do with intelligent design, should he still have been controversial? What is the role of of a public forum?
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Vermont Bids Ben Stein Adieu
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4 comments:
I think Ben Stein should have been able to speak at the graduation ceremony as long as he did not include any of his controversial views. He has every right to HAVE those opinions, but maybe not broadcast them to a graduating class. If the students enjoyed him last fall, I'm sure they'd enjoy his commencement speech.
I agree with Kassie. Ben Stien has every write to these opinions, however there is a time and a place for discussing controversial topics-and a commencement ceremony doesn't fit that time. My brother went to the University of St. Thomas and their commencement speaker chose to talk about some very controversial topics including abortion and religion. People were booing him and many people walked out. This really took away from the actual ceremony and it was not the time or place to be discussing these issues.
Stein criticizes evolution? I would have thought different.
Well, Stein is the one who backed out.
If he wants to advocate intelligent design and the people he's talking to want none of it, they should feel free to cancel the appointment. No foul on either side.
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