Graduation Stories

[Mike M (the other one)]

(05-21-2019, 02:48 PM)Belsnickel Wrote: Being tolerant doesn't mean you have to just sit there and listen.


On this we can agree, though whether they should be punished or not is something I would really need more information on.


When you introduce a political figure into an event, it becomes political. That's the nature of it. Even if it isn't a political event, you ALWAYS have the right to protest. Now, as a private university they could put restrictions on that, but that isn't an infringement of their rights and it doesn't take away those rights.

As for how it affected the ceremony itself, reports indicate that the majority of both the student body (and the graduates) as well as faculty were not in favor of Pence speaking. While most remained in their seats, the majority sat in silence, refusing to applaud throughout and during the standing ovation. One could say that the university choosing to invite Pence was in itself something that ruined this important day for most of the graduates.

When did the definition of Tolerant change?
As far as I know it's the ability to accept others for their different point of views and listening to them even if you disagree.

Intolerant behavior would be walking out or not even hearing what they have to say, you know unwilling to grant equal freedom of expression to those with different beliefs than your own, aka Bigoted behavior.

No mater who would've been invited there is no perfect speaker, anyone can always be twisted into a political thing. Having a powerful figure such as the VP speaking at your commencement is unique, they don't speak at many, only a select few, so respect should always be shown if not for the person then the position of power they hold. If Hillary/Obama was speaking at my graduation, I would endure quietly their speech  (you know tolerance) and wait for it to be over so I can move on with the commencement ceremony. Respect is something both sides fail to show a lot and it's sickening.