Dickinson College has withdrawn its invitation to CNN host Michael Smerconish to speak at the school's upcoming commencement ceremony. The decision was made following opposition from students and faculty members over statements made by Smerconish in his 2004 book 'Flying Blind', which have been described as racially profiling Arab Americans and Muslims.
The college's president, John E. Jones, announced on Saturday (May 4) that the invitation to Smerconish has been rescinded, along with an honorary degree that was to have been bestowed on the broadcaster. The decision was made after an undergraduate student wrote an opinion piece in the college's student newspaper, The Dickinsonian, voicing concerns about Smerconish's views.
In his book, Smerconish argued for the racial profiling of Arab Americans and Muslims at airport security checkpoints. The student author of the opinion piece, who identifies as a Muslim and an Arab-American, quoted several passages from 'Flying Blind' in which Smerconish suggested that security screenings should target those who 'look like terrorists', referring to young men of Middle Eastern descent.
In response to the controversy, Smerconish stated on his radio show that he would re-read his past writing but that he would likely stand behind every word in the book. He also criticized students for not finding 'better material' to attack him with.
Despite the withdrawal of the invitation, it is not yet clear who will replace Smerconish as the commencement speaker. The ceremony is still scheduled for May 19.