Heckling hedges.

I have read your online version of "McCarthyism Watch" and the story "Enforced Conformity" (Matthew Rothschild, July issue). There are several points that need to be clarified to ensure that readers of both versions have an accurate picture of what happened at the Rockford College commencement.

First and foremost, I chose to have Chris Hedges as our commencement speaker, and I stand behind that decision. I chose Hedges because his book about war is grounded in strong liberal arts scholarship and reflects a balanced perspective on war in human history and experience. We expected him to address the graduates through the lens of the book and his work as a war correspondent, and we felt his insights would be particularly relevant to the world the graduates were entering.

As you noted in the online version, but not in the July issue, after the power had been cut and restored to Hedges's microphone, I reminded the audience that one of the wonders of a liberal arts college is its deeply held commitment to academic freedom and the decision to listen to each others' opinions.

Further, our graduates have been wrongly portrayed as responsible for the disruption of the commencement exercises. Very few of the people who acted inappropriately (booing, blowing foghorns, and rushing the stage) were graduates. The protesters were a small, yet vocal, part of the audience, and they were primarily guests at the event. Our students are educated in a strong liberal arts institution, they are taught to respect opinions from diverse perspectives, and they are expected to behave in ways befitting an educated and civil community. We are proud of most of our students for their behavior--whether they agreed with Hedges or not.

Your article criticized my apology to the graduates. Although some were unhappy with our choice of speaker, many more were concerned that their graduation had been turned into a circus, and it was for this that I apologized. Concerning Hedges, I protected his right to free speech in a dangerous environment. Staff at the college worked to ensure his safety, and despite the fact that Hedges did not acknowledge or consider his audience, he was treated with concern and with respect by staff, students, and faculty at Rockford College. I regret that he had the experience he did in Rockford; we all shall learn from the events of May 17, 2003, at Rockford College-unfortunately, those important lessons are painful ones.

Paul C. Pribbenow

President, Rockford College

The editor responds:

President Pribbenow is incorrect. In the July issue, we did include his comments urging the audience to listen to--and not disrupt--Hedges's speech. Those comments appear in "Heckled in Rockford," which is a transcript of the speech, along with the audience reaction.

Matthew Rothschild

Chris Hedges was eloquently giving graduates and others important and useful information and ideas to help them make decisions about their future. This very thoughtful speech was greeted by abysmal ignorance and extreme rudeness. To think that Rockford College President Paul Pribbenow would apologize to the students instead of to Chris Hedges is incredible! Chris Hedges's speech and both articles should be required reading at colleges and universities.

Mary E. Harris

Pacifica, California 

Chris Hedges's commencement address at Rockford College was insightful and moving. He articulated what I and many others feel about the shameless situation this current Administration has created. His comments will prove prophetic, and I fear for my grandchildren's future.

Sharon A. Komondy

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan