:: Why Have An Alternative Commencement?:: First it is important to recognize that a commencement
address is different from other speaking engagements on campus. A
commencement address is not a space for open dialogue between varying
points of view. Instead a commencement address is intended to give
parting words of wisdom as students graduate, therefore a commencement
speaker should represent positive values of success and wisdom. The
speaker also receives an honorary degree from the University;
therefore, the university is making a statement that this speaker
embodies values that should be honored.
In August 2011, before the Occupy Movement had taken shape, NYC Mayor
Michael Bloomberg was announced as the commencement speaker for UNC's
2012 ceremony. We do not support the University's decision to honor
Mayor Bloomberg as the commencement address speaker because we believe
that he does not represent or embody the values of UNC’s mission to
“improve society” which we interpret to mean building a more equitable,
democratic, and community-rich world. Instead Bloomberg represents the
power of money in politics and the media. His success is measured in the
accumulation of power and wealth, rather than in a positive
contribution to justice. In solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street
movement, we condemn Mayor Bloomberg's actions against the peaceful
protests at Zuccotti Park. Mayor Bloomberg is not the speaker that
should inspire us as we enter the next phrase of our lives. Although
our initial action is a petition to revoke Bloomberg's invitation as
commencement speaker, our ultimate goal is to create an alternate
commencement ceremony. Rather than disrupting a ceremony that is
important to many UNC students and their families, we want to create a
positive and meaningful alternative. The alternative commencement
ceremony will be open to any students, families, faculty, or members of
the larger community that wish to participate. We have received positive support
from faculty members, students, and members of the community (including Occupy Chapel
Hill).
Students in the graduating class of 2012 deserve a commencement
address in line with their values to celebrate their achievements, and speakers that can inspire them as they enter the next phrase of their
lives. The alternative commencement ceremony is an invitation to not accept the status quo but challenge it with new alternatives. |
