Editor:

Apparently, in all the self-congratulation by the organizers of Dr. Cornel West's recent lecture, no one seemed to question whether the money spent to bring him here was well or wisely spent. However, at the cost of $12,000 "plus thousands more on advertising," guests speakers are a luxury the university can do without.

The organizers were proud that the turnout for the lecture was larger than expected, but the attendance figure of more than a thousand still represented less than five percent of the students and faculty. The value of such an event is limited only to the small portion of individuals who want or are able to attend. This hardly represents the best interests of the university as a whole.

Others pointed to the prestige that such a distinguished speaker as Dr. West provided to the university, but this has hardly any lasting significance other than on the egos of the organizers themselves. This is not to say that prestige is unimportant since academic reputation has to be built by the students, administration and faculty themselves, not visiting speakers validating us with their presence.

Finally, there is the last and most important thing that guest speakers can provide: enlightenment. This is the one thing that we should not be able to price. Dr. West's message has the power to change minds and bring new perspectives, and it no doubt affected those who attended his lecture. This benefit of enlightenment for the lecture attendees, however, has to be measured against the benefits of financial assistance to individuals who may not be able to afford college at all. Dr. West's $12,000 fee, which he will ironically be donating to a scholarship fund, could help several needy Arizona students in achieving their academic goals. Besides, enlightenment is always available to those who are willing to pick up one of Dr. West's books.

Last fall there were numerous articles in the Wildcat about the lack of funding necessary to operate the campus escort service. A service like this that makes it safe for women to attend classes at night is what the university should be financing, not the occasional celebrity speaker. Any speaker, whether he or she speaks on race, religion, politics, business, or science, cannot be justified at the cost that half the student body cannot get about safely on campus. If the university decides to bring another high-priced speaker to campus, admission should be charged to allow those who want to hear the lecture to foot the bill. University funds should be saved for things that are important.

Craig Westphal
accounting junior