Columnist Sandy Thompson: Laura Bush is welcome here anytime

Sandy Thompson

Friday, March 1, 2002 | 4:31 a.m.

FIRST LADY Laura Bush can talk to the emperor of Japan, but she apparently is not qualified to speak to some university students.

A small group of UCLA students recently opposed the university's invitation to Laura Bush to speak at the UCLA School of Education and Information Studies' commencement exercises. According to an article in the Daily Bruin, the UCLA student newspaper, the students said Bush had "shallow credentials." One doctoral student noted that Bush "has no merit" based on her achievements in education. (Evidently college degrees and teaching experience don't count.)

The students subsequently were thrashed in a flurry of alumni letters to the Daily Bruin. One writer asked what the protesting students (referred to as "a few snot-nosed brats") had achieved other than "burning a hole in your parents' wallets."

In a letter to the Daily Bruin to clarify her position, the doctoral student said criticism of her and others' opposition to Bush focused on personal attacks instead of the "substantive issues": lack of student input in the speaker selection process and Laura Bush's "problematic policy stance on issues of teacher education, literacy practices and funding for education and libraries."

Aimee Dorr, dean of the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies (which has about 900 students), said she met with about 35 students who objected to Bush as a commencement speaker because their politics "didn't match up."

A university campus is a natural forum for the exchange of ideas for the purpose of learning. So why do the students think it's OK for them to speak out, but not Laura Bush? The students nestled in their academic cocoons might benefit from her real-world experience.

Despite the students' request, UCLA did not rescind its invitation to Bush. Rather, Bush declined because of other commitments. Dorr said the first lady notified UCLA early about the scheduling conflicts -- before the Daily Bruin article about the students' objections. (The newspaper did write an editorial in support of Bush.) Dorr is searching for a new speaker.

By the way, past commencement speakers at the graduate school have included Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan, former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley and Henry Cisneros (Isn't that the former secretary of Housing and Urban Development who pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of lying to the FBI in a scandal involving hush payments to his former mistress? Talk about "shallow credentials" ...)

In the interest of fairness, I must disclose that I am the parent of a student at USC, which is a bitter rival of UCLA not only in sports, but also in programs, funding and student recruitment. However, this has nothing to do with rivalries. It is not my intention to knock UCLA. (The UCLA folks could not have been more accommodating when answering my queries.)

The crux of the issue extends beyond UCLA and the right to freedom of expression. It's a matter of respect. How sad that "our best and brightest" on college campuses grade success and achievement according to political affiliations. How unfortunate that they cannot respect people in prominent, responsible positions or differing viewpoints.

It should be an honor for any organization -- especially an institution of higher learning -- to have a first lady speak. Although first ladies are not elected officials, they have a national prominence. Many have set the tone for the nation. Eleanor Roosevelt was a champion of civil rights and equal treatment in the military. Jackie Kennedy ushered in an era of elegance and style. Lady Bird Johnson urged us to beautify America. Say what you will about her "style," Hillary Rodham Clinton did try -- albeit unsuccessfully -- to solve the health care and medical insurance crisis.

Laura Bush, a former elementary school teacher and librarian, has put education and literacy in the national spotlight. Also, since Sept. 11, she has been a portrait of poise and grace and a national source of comfort.

Laura Bush is welcome to speak in Las Vegas anytime. In fact, the Sun and CLASS!, a nonprofit publication for local high school students, are co-sponsoring a high school journalism awards program in April at UNLV. We would be honored if she spoke to the students -- many of whom will be entering college within the next year or so.

They would give the first lady the respect she deserves.