LETTERS: JUSTICE THOMAS AVOIDED EDUCATIONAL DIALOGUE

To the editor:

Hearing Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas speak on campus in a judicial reasoning class was decidedly the most disappointing experience of our academic careers to date. Justice Thomas, though an educated and experienced judge, was dismissive of questions and comments by students and professors alike. He showed contempt for them by refusing to participate in the educational endeavor that he was expected to lead. This, in fact, was his purpose for visiting the Southeast Missouri State University campus: to communicate methods of reasoning behind judicial decision-making. When asked questions pertaining to different areas of reasoning, Thomas flatly refused to discuss them, even going so far as to tell members of the audience they asked "bad questions."

Thomas demonstrated a propensity to contradict himself while evading relevant questions. He described his path to the Supreme Court as a "long, hard, lonely, frustrating road," yet he contends that the Supreme Court is far removed from popular culture and does not (and should not) take into consideration the ramifications of the court's decisions on the American public.

Before Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, segregation of the races in this country defined a large part of Thomas' life. Brown v. Board of Education fundamentally affected his life and the lives of all U.S. citizens. Thomas must acknowledge and take responsibility for the fact that he is in a position to profoundly affect the lives of millions of Americans through his decisions.

He championed an ivory-tower mentality within the Supreme Court by stressing that he is not accountable to the public. This is frightening, considering he has a lifetime appointment and cannot be removed from his position. Justice Thomas is a strict interpreter of the Constitution. The students and faculty present were not attacking this view, only seeking to understand it. Thomas, however, took a hostile and defensive stance and was insulting to those who asked questions.

Southeast is an institution dedicated to higher learning. Those at the lecture sought knowledge from someone who dispenses the highest law in the land, affecting us all. Thomas refused to deliver and was a disappointment. In the future, Southeast should concentrate on inviting speakers who can add to our educational experience, not just draw a crowd.

MELISSA D. GIELOW and KENDRA FOSTER

Cape Girardeau