Georgetown Graduation Speaker Infuriates Undocumented Immigrants at University

A group of 30 students have signed a letter to Georgetown University leadership demanding that they rescind a graduation ceremony invitation to Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, arguing that Johnson is a "step backward from Georgetown's leadership on undocumented students support," according to a Georgetown Voice report.

The letter, submitted to the School of Foreign Service Deans on May 9, argues that Johnson has "orchestrated the detention and deportation of hundreds of thousands of immigrants, including members of our families and communities," and that students "should not be forced to receive our diplomas from an individual who is directly responsible for separating our families," according to the report.

Johnson was announced May 6 as the graduation speaker for the commencement ceremony on May 19.

Others have disagreed with the letter, saying that it is an attempt to silence speech. One student was quoted by the Voice as saying that many of these same students would happily have Obama speak, even though he was the one who appointed Johnson and gives orders to him.

"We look forward to welcoming a number of distinguished individuals to share their perspectives with our graduates this May," Georgetown President John J. DeGioia said in a statement welcoming Johnson as well as water conservation advocate Alexandra Cousteau and USAID Administrator Gayle Smith. "These women and men represent the very best of their respective fields, animating our commitment to leadership through service. We look forward to the ways in which their insights and experiences will offer inspiration to our graduates as they embark on their own paths, seeking to make an impact on our world."

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