College Grads Protest Speech by Cop Killer
Several students walked out of their college commencement Friday and some stood with their backs to the stage to protest the inclusion of convicted cop killer Mumia Abu-Jamal as a speaker.
Protesters, including police officers in dress uniforms, walked out of the Evergreen State College commencement when Abu-Jamal’s audiotaped remarks were played.
A handful of about 800 graduating seniors wearing blue armbands also walked out, while two dozen others stood and turned their backs during the 13-minute speech. Others wore yellow armbands in support of Abu-Jamal.
“I feel what’s going on here does not represent who I am and why I’m here,” said Shawn Ward, one of the graduates who walked out.
The protesters included Maureen Faulkner, the widow of the Philadelphia police officer Abu-Jamal is accused of shooting in 1981.
Evergreen permits its student to select commencement speakers. Abu-Jamal was among several people nominated for inclusion and was selected along with other speakers.
Abu-Jamal has been on Pennsylvania’s death row since 1982. He is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Abu-Jamal’s jailhouse writings about the justice system have given him worldwide attention. A symbol for death penalty opponents, he contends he is innocent and his conviction due to a biased judge and an ineffective attorney.
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