MASTHEAD EDITORIAL The Right Choice, Controversy Ended
By Masthead
101st Masthead
On January 8, Headmaster Ed Shanahan sent the student body an email that has been much quoted in this paper and others. In it, he announced that Karl Rove, former senior adviser and Deputy Chief of Staff to President Bush, would be the Commencement speaker this June. This controversial decision sparked discussion among Choate students, and soon the outside world, about Mr. Rove’s time in the White House. This paper voiced its objection and called on Mr. Shanahan to rethink his invitation to Mr. Rove for this particular event on the school’s calendar. The News hoped that Mr. Rove might be invited to campus as a special program lecturer, to speak in a forum that would allow students to ask him questions. On Monday, January 28, Mr. Shanahan sent the student body an email announcing that such an event will indeed replace Mr. Rove’s Commencement speech.
The News wishes to commend Mr. Shanahan for listening to the student body—and to many others in the greater Choate community—as this problematic scenario unfolded. Mr. Shanahan’s willingness to meet with the senior class last Wednesday and to hear our concerns in a frank and civilized manner was heartening. It is not often that students feel they can get the full attention of a senior administrator. Mr. Shanahan braved our comments and concerns for thirty minutes and then asked all of us to email him with our opinions on Mr. Rove’s appointment as our Commencement speaker. After taking into consideration the opinions of the Choate community, Mr. Shanahan announced that Mr. Rove will be coming to campus on February 11 as a lecturer at a special school meeting. Students will now be able to ask Mr. Rove questions and engage him in a discussion, rather than watching him speak in the lectern-to-audience ritual that is Commencement.
Mr. Shanahan was kind enough to take into account the feelings of the senior class and our concern that Mr. Rove’s presence at our Commencement might detract from the ceremony and celebration of that day. We also admire and appreciate Mr. Rove’s willingness to come speak at Choate outside of the festivities of Commencement. He, like every American, has the right to voice his opinions and beliefs in a public forum, and we have the right to question and challenge him. However, we also have a duty to do so respectfully. Nothing would be more disheartening than rude, thoughtless questions asked by intelligent students. We now have the opportunity to engage in a fascinating debate about American politics with a central player from the current administration. Mr. Rove will be bringing to campus views that, although controversial, are not often voiced by special program lecturers. As young, educated Americans, we are often exposed to different points of view. It is our duty to abide by the “Golden Rule” and treat Mr. Rove as we would hope to be treated among people who do not share our views.
There is no denying that Mr. Rove has been involved in controversial decisions and policy-making during his career. While his record will certainly come up on the 11th, it is important to remember that Mr. Rove is a brilliant, though polarizing, political strategist who may provide interesting insights into “Beltway politics.” We, as a community, whether we agree with him or not, should take advantage of his expertise. In his news release, Mr. Shanahan said, “It was quite clear to me that our students much preferred a visit during which they might engage Mr. Rove in some thoughtful conversation about his experiences in public life.” Sadly, the opportunity to question senior public officials personally is very rare. Now that we are faced with a unique opportunity that many Americans would envy, we should seize it with relish. Let us show Mr. Rove our hospitality and treat him as our guest.
