Controversial talk-show host Jerry Springer, Law ’68, will speak at Northwestern University Law School’s commencement June 20, news outlets reported last week.
The school’s choice of Springer, a former Cincinnati mayor and city council member, has been panned on Web sites and blogs, some of which have posted angry letters from current students.
“Although we understand that in some respects Mr. Springer represents the best (and also the worst) of American First Amendment rights, we do not believe that he is worthy of addressing the Class of 2008,” read one student note posted by “Above The Law,” the blog that broke the story.
In a statement, Law School dean David Van Zandt said Springer “has had a very successful career in the news and entertainment industries.”
“We look forward to Mr. Springer’s participation at commencement,” Van Zandt said.
