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Coble won't speak at commencement at request of Guilford students

By | Associated Press
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GREENSBORO, N.C. - U.S. Rep. Howard Coble will not speak at his alma mater's commencement after a third of the senior class objected to remarks he made about the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

Coble, R-N.C., withdrew because he was concerned his appearance at Guilford College might spark protests, the college announced Thursday.

"Commencement is for the seniors," Coble said in a statement released by the college. "It's their special day, and they should enjoy all aspects of the graduation program."

About a third of the 160 graduating students presented Coble with a petition Wednesday asking him not to speak at graduation.

The petition criticized remarks Coble made in February supporting the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Coble later apologized for the statements, but not before he was widely criticized and his leadership questioned.

Last month, the Democratic National Committee called on Coble to resign as chairman of the House Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security subcommittee. The panel handles legislation governing domestic security and terrorism programs, drug interdiction efforts and the federal prison system.

Guilford College President Kent Chabotar said he regretted but respected Coble's decision not to speak May 10. The college played no role in the decision, he said.

"He didn't want to do anything to embarrass him or embarrass the college," Chabotar said.

In addition to opposing Coble's remarks about internment, some Guilford seniors questioned whether Coble's support of the U.S. war in Iraq runs counter to the pacifist tradition of the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers, who founded Guilford College.

Guilford seniors seemed concerned that Coble's stances could spark some sort of student protest at commencement, such as heckling or turning away from the speaker. Chabotar said he was unaware of any protests planned for commencement.

Coble said he intends to remain one of the college's biggest boosters. He hosted a reception in Washington, D.C., on Monday for alumni and prospective students.

"Guilford College has been an important part of my life for 50 years," Coble said in the statement. "I have been and continue to be a loyal alumnus of the college. I look forward to working together in the future."

Guilford, which does not usually have commencement speakers from outside the college, will not replace Coble. Chabotar and three graduating seniors will talk at commencement as previously scheduled.

http://removecoble.yellowworld.org/comments.php?id=P52_0_1_0_C]02.18.03 -- The Guilfordian -- Coble Won’t Speak if Seniors Oppose; Petition in Progress