Backlash At UNT Over Governor Abbott At Graduation

[Harry]

DENTON (CBS 11 NEWS) The announcement that Governor Greg Abbott will be the keynote speaker at the University of North Texas commencement ceremony has been met with an online backlash from students.

Nearly 2,000 people, as of Monday evening, have signed an online petition asking the universitys president to replace Abbott as the commencement speaker.

Hundreds have also joined Facebook group called Abbott Free UNT.

Abbott doesnt represent the campus on many levels, said senior UNT student A.J. Aguinaga, who now plans to skip the ceremony.

Read more: http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2015/04/06/backlash-at-unt-over-governor-abbott-as-graduation-speaker/

[UNT90]

See ya

[the green rokemi]

People need to get over themselves. It's the governor of the state. I doubt he's going to use the moment as a liberal bashing opportunity

[oldguystudent]

I doubt he's going to use the moment as a liberal bashing opportunity

I'll take that bet. Not because he's liberal or conservative or whatever, but simply because he's a politician. It's been years since I've heard anything come out of any politicians mouth that wasn't pushing a particular agenda.

[LongJim]

Ah, college angst. Remember it well.

[DeepGreen]

Who runs the University, Pres. Smatresk or the students?

[Hunter Green]

About the only thing political to come out of his mouth will be the philosophy of hard work, perseverance, self reliance, and a faith in God as a source of strength. If that's political, well...this is not a divisive forum. It's a graduation speech.

BTW, I sent an email to the Pres. S supporting his decision to invite Gov. Abbott to speak. Anytime a sitting Governor speaks at your university, it's a good thing. Regardless of party affiliation.

[UNT90]

About the only thing political to come out of his mouth will be the philosophy of hard work, perseverance, self reliance, and a faith in God as a source of strength. If that's political, well...this is not a divisive forum. It's a graduation speech.

BTW, I sent an email to the Pres. S supporting his decision to invite Gov. Abbott to speak. Anytime a sitting Governor speaks at your university, it's a good thing. Regardless of party affiliation.

Especially when you owe the state millions of dollars due to an "accounting error."

Sad that more people don't realize this.

[Harry]

I am not happy about this but I do respect their right to free speech.

[UNT90]

I wish counter thinking students would start their own petition.

But I'm sure they have anything better to do. Plus, they would be called racist, bigots, and gay haters if they did.

[UNTcrazy727]

I don't agree with Abbott on some issues, but the quote below from the article is how I feel about the situation...

Several students on campus said that they don’t support the petition and even think it negatively reflects on their school.

“I think regardless it’s the governor of the state. You should show some respect,” said student Perri Van Horn.

[drex]

It's always a good idea to piss off the hand that feeds you.

[MeanGreen13]

UNT students living up to their misdirected angstty reputation. I get what they're saying, but it's the freaking Governor of TEXAS. Get some perspective guys!

[Ben Gooding]

Whatever. I am attending the ceremony...so less morons to walk the crowd with to and from Apogee the better.

These students...*sigh*

[GrandGreen]

It must be nice to be young, even if you have to be stupid.

There is no one worth listening to, that is going to satisfy everyone. I am not an Abbott fan yet, but willing to give him a chance. Thus far, I think he is an improvement over Perry.

But wether you like him or not, I think it is a minor coup for NT getting him to speak.

[GreenMachine]

Abbott doesnt represent the campus on many levels, said senior UNT student A.J. Aguinaga, who now plans to skip the ceremony.

Who doesn't he represent? The crybaby hippies that scream when they don't get their way? Who gives a F what they like/dislike anyway?

[UNT90]

He will represent a majority of the grads as they get older, whether they realize it or not...

[2012gradUNT]

I think they should be honored that a standing governor is willing to come speak at UNT. But hey, hippies and hipsters are gonna hate. As long as its not the Lt. Governor Dan Patrick its fine. There isnt a grave deep enough to stop my hatred for that man.

[Christopher Walker]

It must be nice to be young, even if you have to be stupid.

There is no one worth listening to, that is going to satisfy everyone. I am not an Abbott fan yet, but willing to give him a chance. Thus far, I think he is an improvement over Perry.

But wether you like him or not, I think it is a minor coup for NT getting him to speak.

Minor coup? It was a $100k donation from Brint Ryan to Abbott that got him here "for free". Not much of a coup.

[GreenMachine]

Minor coup? It was a $100k donation from Brint Ryan to Abbott that got him here "for free". Not much of a coup.

you must not know what curremt speaking fees are. 100k is a coup.

Edited April 7, 2015 by GreenMachine

[oldguystudent]

It was a $100k donation from Brint Ryan

[FirefightnRick]

It was a coup getting Brint Ryan on our BOR.

That guy has invested a lot of cash in this school system for sure.

Rick

[Censored by Laurie]

Whatever. I am attending the ceremony...so less morons to walk the crowd with to and from Apogee the better.

These students...*sigh*

fewer.

sorry. you were saying about morons...

[Ben Gooding]

[eagle93]

If you don't agree with who the speaker is, don't attend. If he speaks to a half full venue, then you have gotten your point across. All this back and forth is pointless.