Fired FBI Director James Comey To Speak At Howard University

WASHINGTON, DC — Former FBI Director James Comey will be the 2017 opening convocation speaker at Howard University next month, just a few months after being fired by President Trump in spectacular fashion during his investigation into collusion between Trump's campaign and the Russian government.

The university announced in a statement that Comey had been appointed as the 2017-2018 convocation keynote speaker and the Gwendolyn S. and Colbert I. King Endowed Chair in Public Policy. He will address the university on Sept. 22 to kick off the school year, and "engage the Howard community through a lecture series designed to foster fruitful discussion and spur meaningful interaction," the statement adds.

Comey's investigation into Russian collusion and his discomfort with what he felt was Trump pressuring him to drop the investigation -- and subsequently his firing in May -- have been a central issue in Trump's first year in office after his surprise win over Democrat Hillary Clinton last November. Comey was also a key figure during the presidential campaign, when he announced an investigation into emails involving Clinton just days before the general election.

“I am pleased to welcome Mr. Comey to Howard,” said Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick in the statement. “His expertise and understanding of the challenges we continue to face today will go a long way in sparking rich discussion and advancing meaningful debates across campus.”

Comey will consult with student leaders and other campus stakeholders before announcing the topic of his lectures. He will donate his entire King Chair compensation of $100,000 to a Howard University scholarship fund.

Image via FBI