Rosa Clemente, a political commentator and journalist, spoke to WCU students on Tuesday, Oct. 23, for a luncheon in the UC Illusions Room and a keynote speech at 7 p.m. in the UC Grand Room.
However, prior to both her presentations, a disclaimer from the Department of Student Activities was read. The disclaimer stated that the thoughts and statements made during the speech did not reflect the values of WCU.
Taken aback by the disclaimer, Clemente changed the focus of her discussion and talked about the importance of free speech and encouraged students to question administrative officials.
Acting Provost Carol Burton and Sam Miller, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, sent a Letter to Clemente for the disclaimer.
Jeff Hughes, the Director of Campus Activities, was responsible for the decision of stating a disclaimer.
Below are his full responses to our questions.
Why did the Department of Student Activities decide to use a disclaimer?
The Department of Campus Activities values freedom of expression and the open exchange of ideas. Our intent in the disclaimer statement was to remind the campus community members attending events sponsored by our department that the university hosts many artists, performers and prominent individuals with many different viewpoints that might be affirming or challenging based on the speaker’s expertise and life experience. The disclaimer was intended to remind guests of the role we play in providing a forum for free speech through these events. However, in our effort to implement this new practice for programming sponsored by our department, we failed to fully share this change with our partners and colleagues, and we unintentionally offended Ms. Clemente and members of the WCU community in attendance.
When was that decision made? Who decided to use the disclaimer for this event?
The decision to use the disclaimer at the opening of programs sponsored by our department was made by me, in my role as director of campus activities, approximately a week before this event.
Since Clemente seemed surprised about the disclaimer, was she informed about it prior to coming to the campus?
Unfortunately, Ms. Clemente was not aware that the disclaimer was going to be read before the events. I truly regret that we did not discuss with her our plans to do so.
Is this disclaimer going to be used for every speaker that comes to talk on campus?
Based upon feedback the department has received following the event, we will not use the disclaimer at other events we sponsor going forward.
