Jerry Springer to give commencement address at Northwestern--another embarrassment for the school

Having an ex-terrorist, Bernardine Dohrn, on the law school faculty of Northwestern University even though she does not have a law licence, seems like a set up for a joke, something crazy, like having Jerry Springer give the law school commencement address there.

But it's true--the Weather Underground almumnus is a Northwestern law professor, and Springer will be speaking at the NU law graduation next month.

From the Chicago Tribune, free registration may be required for the link:

When Alex Aixala looked ahead to his graduation from Northwestern Law School on May 16, he envisioned a commencement speaker who would shower the crowd with uplifting words of wisdom.

"I honestly feel like the purpose of a graduation speaker is to inspire you to make the world a better place," said Aixala, whose favorite part of law school was working with its free legal clinic for the poor.

A television host whose talk show rewards guests who flash their breasts was not exactly what he had in mind. So when word spread that Jerry Springer was to give the address, Aixala joined many of his classmates in signing petitions against the choice.

Their objection, however, was overruled.

You mean Bill Ayers wasn't available?

Related Northwestern University posts:

Northwestern Univ. J-school anonymous quote flap

Northwestern J-school dean faces resistance as he drags it into modern times

Anthony Porter case breaks wide open; the Porter story triggered the emptying of Illinois' death row

CBS' 48 Hours tonight to feature Ill. murder case--show likely to feature Northwestern prof tarnished by recent lawsuit (w/exclusive material)

Update on the Anthony Porter/Alstory Simon case

The media and a professor told us Anthony Porter was framed, a Chicago jury disagreed

This case helped empty Illinois' death row: Was it built on fraud?

CBS' 48 Hours tonight to feature Ill. murder case--show likely to feature Northwestern prof tarnished by recent lawsuit (w/exclusive material)

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