After the University of Pennsylvania announced Tuesday that James Baker '52 will deliver its commencement address on May 14, some students at Penn, Princeton and other schools have criticized the move, citing allegedly anti-Semitic remarks Baker made on two past occasions.
At Penn, one of the decision's most vocal critics is junior Max Shapiro, who serves as president of the Penn Israel Coalition. Shapiro told the Daily Pennsylvanian that the selection of Baker, who was secretary of state under former president George H.W. Bush and is currently co-chair of the Iraq Study Group, was "appalling."
"It's hard to imagine a red flag not go[ing] up on this choice," he said.
Much of the criticism of Baker focuses on a 1992 column in the New York Post, in which New York's former Democratic mayor Ed Koch claimed that Baker had recently said, "F—k the Jews. They didn't vote for us anyway."
Three years earlier, Baker delivered a speech to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a pro-Israel lobbying group, during which he said there was "no greater obstacle to peace" than Israeli settlements in territories claimed by Palestinians.
Penn president and former Princeton provost Amy Gutmann praised Baker after announcing his selection, however, citing his political experience and international prominence. "[Baker] is an excellent choice to address our graduates as they begin their journey as citizens and leaders of an increasingly complex and interconnected global society," she said in a press release.
Yet Princeton students have also joined those criticizing Baker's invitation.
"I definitely agree with those at Penn, and I don't think they are only Jews, who think that other distinguished people would have been a more appropriate choice for commencement speaker," said Suzanne Levy '08, communications chair for the Center for Jewish Life (CJL) Student Board, in an email. She added that she didn't think the CJL itself had an official position.
But Andrew Kaplan, president of Penn's senior class, dismissed the criticism from students on his campus and others.
"While it is the role and responsibility of groups to voice their concerns and educate our class on all aspects of our Commencement speaker, people should be very careful of mislabeling James Baker, as he has demonstrated himself to be a skillful and accomplished statesman, a supporter of Israel, and one who is dedicated to peace in the Middle East," he said in an email.
"Furthermore," Kaplan added, "he was among the most influential individuals in a number of administrations, all of whom were incredibly and rightfully supportive of Israel."
A history major and member of Ivy Club, Baker served two years as a lieutenant in the Marine Corps after graduating from Princeton, before attending law school at the University of Texas.
Originally a Democrat, Baker switched to the Republican party and served as undersecretary of commerce for President Gerald Ford in 1975. Three years later, he ran unsuccessfully to become Texas State attorney general.
In 1981, Baker was named White House chief of staff under President Ronald Reagan, a position he held until becoming secretary of the treasury in 1989. That year, he was appointed secretary of state, before returning to the chief of staff's office in 1992.
He later served as chief legal adviser to the current President Bush during the 2000 campaign and oversaw the controversial Florida recount. Most recently, Baker co-chaired the Iraq Study Group, whose report last December called for the United States to turn over combat operations to Iraqi forces by 2008.
Penn Commencement officials argued that his extensive record of public service makes Baker a desirable graduation speaker.
"As one of the most influential Americans over the past 30 years, James Baker has demonstrated himself to be an individual committed to public service and is both a worthy as well as exciting choice for our Commencement speaker," Kaplan said.
Baker will also receive an honorary doctor of laws degree at the commencement ceremony. Other Penn honorary degree recipients include legendary vocalist Aretha Franklin, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin.
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