Dol Hassan protested the school’s policy on political speakers at the College of St. Catherine by putting duct tape on her mouth. She and other students protested in front of Derham Hall.
E-mail this photoAbout 30 students decried the school’s decision to keep politics in “balance” and, in the process, decline to host appearances by Hillary Clinton, Bay Buchanan and Al Franken.
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Ashleen Knutson went to the College of St. Catherine because she believed she’d learn how to “lead and influence.”
So when the women’s school denied a request to have former presidential candidate Hillary Rodman Clinton speak on campus, the 22-year-old senior was angered and disappointed.
“I think it sends a message when St. Kate denies having strong, influential leaders, male or female, on campus to speak,” she said.
On Monday, Knutson protested the college’s refusal to host a handful of political figures — including Clinton, conservative commentator Bay Buchanan and Minnesota’s Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken — in its effort to show neutrality during a tense election season.
About 30 students stood on the steps of Derham Hall, the school’s administration building, holding signs and wearing pins that read: “We do not lead neutral lives.” Some wore tape over their mouths as a gesture of being silenced.
The women argued for more student involvement in campus decisions and read a petition, signed by more than 220 people, that denounces the St. Paul school’s “embarrassing” decision.
Protesters will discuss their issues with college administrators today as part of a student government meeting, said Brian Bruess, vice president for enrollment and dean of student affairs.
Administrators have defended their actions, saying the decisions were made based on each request’s individual merits, in accordance with well-worn policies and often on very short notice.
“We didn’t ban anyone from campus,” said Colleen Hegranes, senior vice president for academic affairs. She pointed out that when the college declined Franken’s request to speak, they suggested he distribute campaign literature in the atrium of its Coeur de Catherine, as its “Political Activity Policy” outlines. His staff declined.
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I don’t suppose
That tape is permanent is it? Couldn’t resist asking….
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