UNT reacts to Abbott commencement announcement
Nicholas Friedman / Features Editor
UNT News confirmed to the North Texas Daily that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott would be the keynote speaker for the spring’s graduation commencement. This news comes after rumors earlier this week that actor Michael J. Fox was in consideration.
Students at UNT and the Denton community took to social media to voice their opinions on the decision. Most weren’t happy.
Andy Odom — not a UNT student — is the social media director for music festival 35Denton. He reached out to UNT President Neal Smatresk urging him to reconsider the decision to bring Abbott to campus.
@UNTPrez Gov. Abbott wants to invalidate the votes of the citizens of Denton. He’s an offensive choice for commencement speaker. Reconsider.
— Andy Odom (@AndyOdom7) April 2, 2015
Others cited UNT’s previous relationship with former gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis and a seemingly liberal campus profile as a reason for reconsideration.
Why would you bring Greg Abbott to UNT WE WERE LITERALLY A CAMPAIGN STOP FOR WENDY DAVIS
— Jarrett Way (@WayAllDay) April 2, 2015
I understand bringing important keynote speakers to our new commencement. I do not understand blatantly ignoring the culture in which its in
— Kylie (@KylieReedFisch) April 2, 2015
Some were excited about the prospect of the Governor choosing UNT. This is a first for the university, who previously didn’t have commencement speakers at graduation.
It's easy to not want Gov. Abbott to give the address, but how cool is it that our University has enough clout to attract the Governor!?
— Dan Coleman (@ColemanDK) April 2, 2015
Greg Abbott givin the commencement speech at UNT's graduation!!!! How you like that hippies?
— riley donovan (@rileydonovan17) April 2, 2015
Just heard @GregAbbott_TX will be the keynote speaker at graduation! I am so excited! #UNT @UNTPrez #Senior2015
— Bethany Sanderson (@bethanyelle_n) April 2, 2015
One thing is certain, the announcement has sparked discussion. On Facebook, a thread of more than 50 commentaries weighed in.
The full story will be out soon.
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