Activist speaker draws criticism

Only a few local people have expressed concern involving an upcoming speaker coming to Penn State Altoona Thursday, a college spokeswoman said Tuesday.

William Ayers, a University of Illinois at Chicago's College of Education curriculum and instruction professor, will speak on campus about democracy and public schools at 4 p.m. Thursday in the Slep Student Center.

Most of the concern seems to come from western Pennsylvania, and those upset view Ayers as an "inappropriate speaker" because of his background with the Weather Underground, Penn State Altoona spokeswoman Shari R. Routch said.

Ayers was a founder of the Weather Underground, a Vietnam War-era radical group involved in bombings at the Pentagon and U.S. Capitol. He was never charged with any wrongdoing because of prosecutorial misconduct.

Ayers was flung back into the spotlight during President Barack Obama's campaign.

Conservatives tried to connect them ideologically because they were once neighbors and ran in the same advocacy circles.

The school's chapter of Kappa Delta Pi is sponsoring Ayers' visit. He is a member of the honor's fraternity and often speaks to chapters, said Tim Slekar, head of the education, human development and social sciences division at Penn State Altoona.

Slekar said the local fraternity chapter had no comment.

Ayers is not being paid for the visit, and no university funds are supporting the event, Routch said.

"Student organizations are independent and are free to sponsor programs and speakers without the approval or endorsement of the university," Routch said in an e-mail.

"This is standard procedure at public universities such as Penn State and is in accordance with legal requirements. Sometimes this means that students invite speakers or offer programs that some might find objectionable."

Ayers is the author of several works, including, "To Teach: The Journey of a Teacher" and "Fugitive Days: A Memoir."

He has received several honors and awards as an educator, including 1999 Distinguished Professor of Education and 2005-06 Randolph Distinguished Visiting Professor, Vassar College.

A large crowd is expected at Thursday's event, according to the college.

Mirror Staff Writer Amanda Clegg is at 949-7030.