Union Board proud of Edwards planning

Union Board prides itself on programming for a diverse student body with a wide array of interests. We are students, elected and selected by our peers to enhance campus life and enrich the IU community. As directors, we take our roles as student leaders seriously and we listen carefully to any feedback from students regarding the events we put on or decisions we make. With that in mind, I would like to address last week’s guest column by Justin Hill, chairman of Students for John McCain, regarding Union Board’s lecture with Senator Edwards.

While I sincerely appreciate Mr. Hill’s comments and respect his sentiment, Union Board took the appropriate steps when reconsidering Senator Edwards’ appearance on campus. We were extremely conscious of the situation’s sensitivity.

We aggressively sought the views of those involved with the decision and together agreed that the event would still offer an extraordinary experience for students. Union Board is proud of this process and stands by the decision it produced. We celebrate our tradition of collaborating with a wide mix of student groups to bring individuals who have shaped American discourse and policy no matter their point of view.

Union Board has worked extensively with groups similar to Students for John McCain, partnering with IU College Republicans in recent years to bring Ann Coulter, Ben Stein and David Horowitz. While providing an opposing perspective, Senator Edwards’ lecture will be a continuation of Union Board’s commitment to bringing the world to IU.

Andrew Dahlen
2008 Union Board Lectures Director