November 20, 2008
Monmouth College: Ayers Speaking Engagement Kept "Underwraps".
MONMOUTH — Former Weather Underground leader William Ayers — who was called an "unrepentant terrorist" in several campaign ads prior to the presidential election — spoke for the third time in four years at Monmouth College Thursday.Willhardt explains why Ayers speaking engagement was kept "under wraps":The event, which was purposely "kept under wraps from the public," was part of the college's Introduction to the Liberal Arts (ILA) freshman seminar, said Mark Willhardt, a Monmouth College English professor and ILA director.
Prof. Willhardt said the event, which took place in Dahl Chapel & Auditorium, could seat only 500 people while 420 students are in the seminar, so it was not publicized to keep it an "on campus event." The class is required for all Monmouth College freshmen and usually includes four to seven speakers per year.
Really?
The theme of this year's seminar class is "Living an Exemplary Life." Willhardt said Ayers, now an education professor at the University of Illinois-Chicago, could offer "a different take" on the theme.He spoke primarily about the need for students to be active. Willhardt said Ayers told students to go out and act on their beliefs — and then to doubt, because that is the only way to double check yourself.
Ayers spoke for about 15 minutes then took questions for another 45 minutes. When asked whether he had any regrets about his past actions, Willhardt said Ayers did not discuss any specific Weather Underground activities but told students he acted on his own moral beliefs and conscious at the time, then talked about the larger nature of activism[...]
Ayers first spoke as part of the seminar class in 2005. Willhardt said one of the campus professors knew Ayers from time they spent together in Chicago and invited him down. Willhardt said Ayers first speech was "so good" the school has invited him back several times.
Just good buds I guess. Damn glad my tax money/support doesn't go to that college.
