WPI

Regarding Rex Tillerson, CEO of ExxonMobil speaking at WPI's commencement. For details, see this article in Worcester Magazine. http://www.worcestermag.com/city-desk/top-news/Oil-and-water-119785344.html

I just read this Go-List notification from the students protesting Tillerson's presence:

> Good news! We are thrilled to announce that our negotiations with the

> administration have come to a satisfying resolution.

>

> Student who wish to avoid ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson's speech will

> be allowed to do so. A row will be reserved them the back so that we

> may join the rest of the class afterwards for the degree-granting

> ceremony.

>

> In addition, our alternate speaker Richard Heinberg has been offered

> the same stage as Tillerson. I can confirm Richard will be speaking

> after commencement, at 3 PM on May 14th, on the Quad.

>

> We are delighted at this outcome, which satisfies both our, and the

> needs of the administration.

My reply:
You've been allowed to sit in the back of the room while Mr. Tillerson still gives his speech. I'm sorry, but take your victory lap when you've achieved victory. When the school acknowledges that its actions are disgraceful and when Mr. Tillerson is not speaking at your commencement, then congratulate yourselves. WPI's students are not the ones whose actions are offensive to our society. Rewarding students of conscience with segregation is not an acceptable solution.

I know graduating students have a diminishing stake in your school's actions, but it does matter.

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