News
Former prof. Menge dies at 75
By Meaghan Gragg | February 26, 2002'His blood ran green,' say friends of dedicated community member
Meaghan Gragg
News
Sharpton social justice speech receives mixed reactions
By Meaghan Gragg | February 18, 2002The Rev. Al Sharpton, a controversial activist and an expected presidential candidate in 2004, urged students to follow his lead and take action in support of their beliefs, regardless of public opinion, last night during a speech sponsored by the Tucker Foundation. Sharpton covered an array of issues ranging from his intentions to run for the presidency in the upcoming election in 2004 to the dangers he said big business poses to civil liberties. Speaking candidly, Sharpton elicited mixed reactions from the crowd, though laughter and applause often punctuated his speech. While the themes of public service and social justice -- were woven throughout Sharpton's speech, he spent the majority of his time addressing issues that will be important if he does indeed run a campaign. Addressing the expectations for his intentions to run for the presidency, Sharpton began his speech by emphasizing the importance he stakes in standing unwaveringly up to his beliefs and dismissing the need for public approval. Sharpton's speech in Rollins Chapel is part of his first visit to New Hampshire, a major political battleground since the state holds the first presidential primaries in the nation. Despite his political aspirations, Sharpton claimed that he is not interested in telling people what they want to hear. Sharpton criticized the Bush administration for suppressing "civil liberties and civil rights of American citizens" and supporting "some very reactionary regressive laws" in the wake of Sept.