College Grads Protest Speech by Cop Killer

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Several students walked out of their college commencement Friday and some stood with their backs to the stage to protest the inclusion of convicted cop killer Mumia Abu-Jamal as a speaker.

Protesters, including police officers in dress uniforms, walked out of the Evergreen State College commencement when Abu-Jamal’s audiotaped remarks were played.

A handful of about 800 graduating seniors wearing blue armbands also walked out, while two dozen others stood and turned their backs during the 13-minute speech. Others wore yellow armbands in support of Abu-Jamal.

“I feel what’s going on here does not represent who I am and why I’m here,” said Shawn Ward, one of the graduates who walked out.

The protesters included Maureen Faulkner, the widow of the Philadelphia police officer Abu-Jamal is accused of shooting in 1981.

Evergreen permits its student to select commencement speakers. Abu-Jamal was among several people nominated for inclusion and was selected along with other speakers.

Abu-Jamal has been on Pennsylvania’s death row since 1982. He is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Abu-Jamal’s jailhouse writings about the justice system have given him worldwide attention. A symbol for death penalty opponents, he contends he is innocent and his conviction due to a biased judge and an ineffective attorney.