Bishop Desmond Tutu speaking flap takes new turn

[babylonsister]

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2007/10/24/tutu_speaking_flap_takes_new_turn/6596/

Tutu speaking flap takes new turn

Published: 24, 2007 at 1:29 AM

ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Bishop Desmond Tutu has set a condition for speaking at a Minnesota college -- the reinstatement of a woman who lost her position as head of an institute.

Cris Toffolo remains on the faculty of the University of St. Thomas. But she was removed as director of the Justice and Peace Studies Program after she criticized the university for failing to invite Tutu, The St. Paul Pioneer-Press reported.

A spokesman says that the university must follow procedure, which means that Toffolo has to file a grievance if she wants the post back. Doug Hennes said that officials have written Tutu to tell him that the administrative process must take its course.

The flap began when a student group suggested inviting Tutu, a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, to a Nobel Laureate conference in April. St. Thomas officials said that he would not be invited because of comments he has made about Israel, which led to the conference moving to Macalester College.

[Kagemusha]

1. Fascist values. The only sin punished is disobedience.

Disobedience cannot be tolerated or forgiven, so going against the university administration when the administration was stuck in the "Wrong" position means her dismissal is considered just and proper.

Good for Tutu to not forget the woman who stood up for the right thing.

[gratuitous]

2. Odd, isn't it?

To see someone of Tutu's stature still concerned about the woman who lost her position over the whole affair? It's really not all that amazing to me, having read a couple of Tutu's books, but I know that there are other folks who would have just shown up, pocketed their appearance fee, and not given a hoot about the repercussions in a similar circumstance.

And Tutu won't give it up, either; even after the conference, he'll be gently prodding and reminding the college to do right by Ms. Toffolo.

[Kagemusha]

3. Well it doesn't hurt that Tutu has nothing to gain from being a jerk here.

I'm glad for it, it is very welcome. I'm a much lowlier individual, but if I was in that position, I'd take a stand too. Especially because the university would've already have jammed its thumb in my eye to begin with.