In an era of strong political tensions, the BYU community is debating the merits of Vice President Dick Cheney speaking at University Commencement, and many students and professors look forward to Cheney's visit to learn more about the government today.

"I think it's great any time we can have the sitting vice president of the United States come to campus," said Jon Mott, faculty adviser for the BYU College Republicans and an adjunct professor of political science.

One aspect of BYU's mission is to help students become intellectually enlarged and a way to do this is to hear different perspectives on issues, Mott said.

Protesting, while it can bring attention to important issues, may not be the best way to discuss these issues, he said. We should instead sit down and discuss our differences.

"I think there's a time and a place for protesting, but protesting during commencement is inappropriate," Mott said. "Anything that would tarnish graduation - the highlight day of many students' college careers - should be avoided. It would be disrespectful to the students and families involved."

Mott said if BYU officials were required to judge the moral background of all off-campus speakers, it would place the university in an awkward position.

Chris Bates, former vice chair of BYU College Republicans, said regardless of the individual holding the office, it's an honor for BYU to have the vice president of the United States speak at commencement because of the high authority the position holds in our nation.

He said he could look forward to the speaker - even if it was a Democratic party's vice president - because of the office, not necessarily the individual.

"I'm excited to have the vice president of the United States visit BYU," said Bates, a senior from Alpine. "I don't necessarily agree with everything he has done, but it's a neat opportunity to have him visit."

Bates said he thinks BYU students have a right to protest. Protesting Cheney's visit does not coincide with negative feelings toward the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who approved the university's decision to invite Cheney to speak, he said.

"I hope they don't interfere with commencement," Bates said. "Commencement is for graduates."

David Lassen, chair of BYU College Republicans, said inviting Cheney to speak at commencement is not an endorsement of Cheney's policies.

"I don't begrudge anyone for voicing their own political beliefs," said Lassen, a junior from Walla Walla, Wash., majoring in political science. "I just hope everyone shows respect."

Cheney's visit has sparked political dialogue and discussion among students, which can help students make their own personal decisions about politics, Lassen said.

It is important for students to learn to decide for themselves, and students can also learn much from Cheney about the government today, he said.

"I think it's a great opportunity to have him here," Lassen said. "It's very easy for people to criticize the administration, but we need to remember this has been one of the most difficult times in recent memory. Cheney has done an admirable job of holding the country together."

Valerie Hudson, a professor of political science, said Cheney coming to speak at BYU as well as students protesting Cheney's visit are both healthy phenomena.

"I'm interested to hear what he has to say," Hudson said.

Hudson said because Congress voted in favor of going to war in Iraq, and not Cheney alone, students and professors should not prohibit Cheney from coming to speak at commencement based on this issue alone. Hudson asked if people would deny all congressmen and senators coming to BYU.

Ed Carter, an assistant professor of communications, said the more speech the BYU community has about Cheney's visit, the better for students and professors alike. Understanding and progress come when people listen to each other, he said.

"We shouldn't silence Cheney by not letting him come," Carter said.

Daniel Nielson, an associate professor of political science, said the university has done a good job of allowing appropriate means for discussion and protest to Cheney's visit. Nielson said he is not a huge Cheney supporter, but he is a strong advocate for the offices of the president and vice president of the United States.

"What I really want to have happen with this visit is meaningful discussion," Nielson said.



Copyright Brigham Young University 4 Apr 2007