2008 Woodie Awards
Medal recipient's recent comments stir controversy
Emily Schettler/Staff Writer
Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: News
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"Regrets? No regrets," John Fuller, spokesman for the college told the Des Moines Register last week.
Wright was awarded the medal at the annual Carver Lecture in January. Each year, Simpson invites a dominant African-American figure they feel exemplifies the same qualities as Dr. George Washington Carver to speak in his honor. Past speakers include Alan Page, the first black justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court and David N. Baker, a famous symphonic composer and jazz educator.
A medal was added this year to "give greater recognition to the achievements and legacy of Dr. Carver," according to Walter Lain, assistant dean for multicultural and international affairs.
Obama and Wright have been under fire for several of Wright's comments regarding race, religion and the United States government. Wright once said that U.S. officials created HIV specifically to kill colored people and has been critical of U.S. foreign policy.
Last week, Obama spoke publicly about his relationship with Wright, saying he could no more disown Wright than his own grandmother.
Of Wright's controversial sermons Obama said in a recent speech, "Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in church? Yes. Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely."
He went on to talk about Wright's service as a U.S. marine and everything he's accomplished as a pastor of the United Trinity Church of Christ for the past 36 years. Under his leadership, the church has grown from 80 members to more than 8,000.
It was for these reasons that Wright was chosen to receive the honor. The search committee included faculty members, board of trustees members and community leaders. Lain said Wright was recommended by a Simpson alumnus who is now a member of his congregation.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 32
Embarassed Alum
posted 3/27/08 @ 9:47 AM CST
I had no idea Simpson gave this hateful and irresponsible man such an award. I am embarassed to be an Simpson Alum today.
disgusted
posted 3/27/08 @ 9:54 AM CST
This man is a black racist. He is no better than some idiot red neck that wears bed sheets for fun.
Awful
posted 3/27/08 @ 10:01 AM CST
Simpson needs to publicly denounce this man and everything he stands for.
Alum
posted 3/27/08 @ 11:17 AM CST
"dominant"? I think the writer means "predominant". Totally different meanings!!
Oh, and maybe Simpson should do some research before inviting ANYONE on campus for an award. (Continued…)
Cynic
posted 3/27/08 @ 1:47 PM CST
I think Wright is completely justified in being critical of American foreign policy, granted his manner of speech was provocative. His claim that the government introduced HIV to the black population, however, is ridiculous. (Continued…)
Truth Hurts
posted 3/27/08 @ 4:22 PM CST
I think it is just and right that Jeremiah Wright received the award. I also think it is small-minded to not listen to the sermon in it's entirety before you make a comment. (Continued…)
Alum/Staff Member
posted 3/28/08 @ 7:10 PM CST
Simpson DID do research & Wright's accomplishments justified such an honor. If these statements would have come publich during the search committee's efforts, I'm sure they would have thought differently. (Continued…)
Another Embarrased Alum
posted 3/29/08 @ 5:46 PM CST
This is truly a sad day for the history of Simpson College. I am ashamed to be a Simpson Alum. I will no longer donate money to the school until the administration denounces and retracts the award they gave this man. (Continued…)
Alum/Staff Member...again
posted 3/29/08 @ 9:28 PM CST
Dear Embarrased Alums: He was invited to campus BEFORE the incident - you CANNOT BLAME Mr. Lain or the rest of the committee. Should I stop giving money to Simpson for having a Republican senator speak at last year's graduation just because he supports our idiot of a President who holds some responsibility to 4,000 Americans & thousands of Iraqis killed in a war?! No. (Continued…)
Another Embarrassed Alum...again
posted 3/30/08 @ 8:29 AM CST
Alum/Staff it is your right in America to stop giving money to Simpson if you so decide to... Thats what is great about America! For the record I am a Obama supporter and pray that he wins the democratic nomination, but that does not mean that I approve of what this so called preacher has said or does. (Continued…)
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