In recent weeks there has been much discussion throughout the Commonwealth on events surrounding the selection of the student speaker for the commencement at The Smeal College of Business Administration. I believe it is important for all members of the University community to understand Penn State's position on this very important matter.
The selection of the business administration speaker was made by a committee of five students and five members of the college staff. The committee struggled with a number of issues in deciding which speaker to select, and acted in what it sincerely felt were the best interests of the college.
Unfortunately, it made what I consider to be an improper decision to ask the student speaker to eliminate from his speech his personal thanks to God. The student then withdrew as the speaker.
I believe the process used in selecting the speaker was flawed, and despite the best intentions of the committee, the outcome was unfortunate and antithetical to what the University stands for.
I want to say very clearly to all Penn Staters that this decision in no way reflects the University's position with respect to religious expression. Penn State is unequivocal in its commitment to the principles of free speech and freedom of religion.
As an institution, we have no reservations whatsoever about a student offering thanks to God in a commencement address. To do so is not only legal, but proper. It is my fervent hope that Penn State would never deny a student the right to acknowledge the importance of his or her spiritual beliefs.
The problems surrounding this commencement are unfortunate and should have been avoided. We will do everything in our power to ensure that this type of situation is never repeated. Penn State will always be strongly committed to allowing freedom of expression.
I sincerely hope that this episode will not distract loyal Penn Staters from their support of our broader goal of humanizing the University through sensitivity, tolerance and understanding.
We should feel great pride in what we do, and all who work and study here should know that freedom of expression will never be a concern.