Re: “The valedictorian’s speech” and “Vic Toews does not deserve to be honou

In response to The valedictorian’s speech, published October, 21, 2010.

Congratulations to Ms. Larson and to the others who protested the granting of an honorary degree to Vic Toews. It is hypocritical to accuse Ms. Larson and others of politicizing convocation. She was responding to a political act: the decision to grant an honorary degree to Vic Toews.

In other words, place the blame where it belongs. The conferring of this degree implies, at minimum, tacit public recognition of a political career rooted in what many consider to be divisive politics. The university may grant such degrees, but it should not be surprised when others protest such decisions. 

What is surprising is that such protests do not occur more frequently. If the university is concerned about disruptions at convocation, there is a simple solution. Stop awarding honorary degrees.

Use the fluff time saved to focus more directly on the graduating students. This would indeed make the event a celebration for students.

Nolan Reilly
History Department

– Nolan Reilly

Published in Volume 65, Number 9 of The Uniter (October 28, 2010)