Texas Southern University canceled a scheduled commencement appearence by state Sen. John Cornyn amid student backlash.<\/b>
\nMay 13 (UPI) — Texas Southern University canceled a scheduled commencement appearence by state Sen. John Cornyn amid student backlash.
The historically black university announced Friday that Cornyn, a Republican, would not speak at the commencement ceremony on Saturday but would be invited back to the university for another appearance in the future.
\u00ab\u00a0We asked Senator Cornyn to instead visit with our students again at a future date in order to keep focus on graduates and their families, \u00a0\u00bb the university said in a statement.
A Change.org petition to cancel Cornyn’s appearance at the commencement ceremony received 863 signatures.
The petition cited the senator’s support of \u00ab\u00a0discriminatory policies and politicians\u00a0\u00bb such as voting in favor of voter ID laws, constitutional ban of same-sex marriage and approving the appointment of U. S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U. S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.
\u00ab\u00a0This is our graduation, \u00a0\u00bb the petition stated. \u00ab\u00a0We have the right to decide if we want to refuse to sit and listen to the words of a politician who chooses to use his political power in ways that continually harm, marginalized and oppressed people.\u00a0\u00bb
The university did not address the concerns mentioned in the petition, but told the Texas Tribune the change was made to \u00ab\u00a0ensure that our students and families enjoyed their special day.\u00a0\u00bb
\u00ab\u00a0Commencement exercises are special moments for our students, their families and the entire university, \u00a0\u00bb the university’s statement said. \u00ab\u00a0Every consideration is made to ensure that our student’s graduation day is a celebratory occasion and one they will remember positively for years to come.\u00a0\u00bb
Two Democratic members of Congress from Houston, U. S. Reps. Al Green and Sheila Jackson Lee, remained a part of the program and were set to speak as scheduled.
Cornyn’s representative said the senator respected the university’s decision and awaits the opportunity to return.
\u00ab\u00a0Senator Cornyn was honored to be invited to address TSU’s graduates, but he respects the Administration’s decision and looks forward to continuing to engage with the University in the future, \u00a0\u00bb the statement said.<\/p>\n

\n

Similarity rank: 7<\/div>\n

Sentiment rank: 0<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n