The Cheney International Center at the University of Wyoming

[Jackeens]

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A decision by the University of Wyoming to name a new center for international students for former Vice President Dick Cheney is drawing criticism from people who say Cheney's support for the Iraq war and harsh interrogation techniques should disqualify him from the distinction.

The former vice president and wife Lynne are expected to attend Thursday's dedication of the new Cheney International Center on the Laramie campus. Protesters plan to be there, too.

The center is funded in part with $3.2 million the Cheneys donated to the university in several installments while he was vice president.

The university's decision to name the center after Cheney, a former Wyoming congressman, prompted a petition that collected more than 150 signatures. The petition said polices of the Bush administration were "very controversial" and the name will affect how people perceive the center.

More: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/09/cheney-center-at-universi_n_280696.html


Statement from University of Wyoming President Tom Buchanan

As the University of Wyoming nears completion of the Cheney International Center, the naming of the facility is attracting the ire of at least some people who object to the use of the Cheney name. To date, UW has received several letters and a petition signed by more than 100 individuals who believe the university has erred in its decision to name the facility after the Cheney family.

I've read the letters and the petition, and I've reviewed the list of signatories. It came as no surprise that, having lived in Wyoming for more than 30 years, I know many of those objecting to UW's decision. The list includes some good friends and colleagues who have previously admonished the UW administration to support greater diversity and increased tolerance for all views. So it is ironic that they show so little of it when confronted by a situation that challenges their own comfort zone.

I have no quarrel with people expressing their views to UW. But good universities operate on principle, and the principle here is that tolerance and diversity cut many ways. Whether you are Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative, Catholic or Protestant, gay or straight, white or black, you are welcome at the University of Wyoming. Should we subject potential donors and the purpose of their gift to public referendum? I think not.

If we do, we lose sight of the fact that our role is to teach, not to indoctrinate. Good universities cannot distance themselves from all that is controversial. To do so would require rejecting mortgage brokers, bankers, pharmaceutical firms, sports figures, fast food chains, political leaders, historical figures, energy companies, uncommon religious groups, and Middle Eastern countries to name just a few.

More: http://www.uwyo.edu/news/showrelease.asp?id=34465

[CreekDog]

1. It will be surrounded by a high fence

and everything outside will be exploded. :think:

[BrklynLiberal]

2. What a crock!!!!!

"The list includes some good friends and colleagues who have previously admonished the UW administration to support greater diversity and increased tolerance for all views. So it is ironic that they show so little of it when confronted by a situation that challenges their own comfort zone."

[eShirl]

3. sorry, no tolerance for war criminals

[mother earth]

4. So he basically paid them off to be honored?

What a surprise. No money will be turned away, priceless! A little blood, high crimes...it's all good...kudos on principle, tolerance has a new face, right is wrong and wrong is right.