After being introduced by Jay Perry, Great Issues Speaker Charlton Heston jokingly remarked, “Everybody needs a good introduction.” Little did he realize the introduction some protesters had for him and the controversy he would create.

A group of over twenty-five students, faculty and staff stood outside the Busch Memorial Center protesting Heston.

“Our protest serves to inform others on issues of his past stances,” said freshman Chris Schaeffer.

“Our whole purpose is to raise awareness of the bigotted and slanderous remarks he [Heston] has made against minority groups,” said leader Eric Sears.

The protesters held signs and passed out flyers. The signs read such things as, “Hey Moses, whatever happened to #5: Thou shalt not kill?” and “America the Bloody: 75,000 Americans wounded by gunshots.” The flyers contained several controversial quotes by Heston and some facts on gun control.

Another protestor, who wished to remain anonymous, passed out small flyers encouraging attendees to turn around and face the wall once Heston walked in.

“I personally felt no matter what he speaks on he is wholly and completely representative of values counter to the University values of right to life, humility and turning the other cheek.”

Kathy Humphrey, Interim Vice-Provost of Student Development, was also outside the BMC with colleagues Kathleen Brady, Vice-President of Facilities Management & Civic Affairs, and Bridgett Fletcher, Assistant to the President.

“We’re supporting the students,” said Humphrey.

Liz Hogan, Associate Dean of Arts & Sciences, wanted to ask Heston if he knew what “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” [a Jesuit ideal] meant as he walked by. It means “For the glory of God.”

“Whatever he says, what he stands for conflicts with the messages set forth by this University on peace, nonviolence and justice,” said activist Paul Woody.

Some attendees did not view the protests well.

Sally Tague, a visitor from the community, said “I think it [the protest] is relatively ineffective. To me it’s harassment, I don’t expect to come to this event and be treated like that.”

Another visitor, Jane Christian, said, “Just because you believe in guns doesn’t mean you’re violent.”

Upon Heston’s arrival and during key points in his speech, much of the crowd stood and applauded. However, a significant number of students and visitors remained seated in protest.

Reactions following the speech continued to reflect the controversy behind Heston and his message.

Brady was offended by Heston’s dislike for lined phrases like African-American and Native-American. He said we should, “all be Americans.”

Humphrey agreed, “It’s too bad that we haven’t gotten past that. It is time to accept people for who they are.”

Many people were upset by the amount of money the Great Issues Committee spent on Heston.

He was paid $50,000 to speak. Great Issues, funded by the student activity fee, spent $25,000 to pay for Heston with the rest funded by the Young America’s Foundation, a conservative political activist group.

“I am so disappointed that we spent the amount of money we did. His speech had very little content,” Brady said.

Peace and Justice Campus Minister Harry O’Rourke said, “It was a content-less, pointless rambling–a waste of student money.”

“If this is the level of speech that Great Issues is going to bring to campus, they should be disbanded,” said Michael Doody, S.J., Campus Ministry Director. “It was absolute drivel and an insult to our intelligence.”

Great Issues Chairman Derek Goewert responded.

“It was intended to be a reflection of his views based on life experiences.

“With his very diverse experiences, it is difficult to form a cohesive speech.”

“The purpose of Great Issues is to promote intelligent debate. If the debate isn’t worth the money, I don’t know what is.”