Professor Chomsky was a guest of four student organizations, the National Lawyers’ Guild, American Constitutional Society, International Law Students Association and Phi Alpha Delta Chapters. Before Dr. Chomsky spoke, Dean Katherine S. Broderick provided welcoming remarks, during which she took the opportunity to describe the School of Law’s mission, clinical program, diversity of students, staff and faculty, and other public interest programs. The huge crowd burst into sustained and vigorous applause on six separate occasions as it learned of the highlights of the School of Law program!

In his remarks, Professor Chomsky analysed U.S. Middle East policy and media coverage. Early in his talk, he paused in mid-critique of attorneys role in Mid-East policy to humorously ask the permission of the Dean to criticize attoneys. Permission: granted.

Dr. Chomsky’s appearance at UDC served to raise funds for the non-profit and avowedly non-violent organization, SUSTAIN: Stop US Tax-Funded Aid to Israel Now. Several alumni and friends of the School of Law questioned the appropriateness of hosting such an event, arguing that contributions facilitated by UDC could serve to support or give comfort to Palestinian terrorists. They were informed that while student organizations sponsored the event, SUSTAIN rented the gymnasium for a significant sum, and also paid for security, maintenance and insurance.

In a reply to the letter of one alum, the Dean made it clear that the School of Law supports its student organizations— even when they invite controversial speakers. She also made it clear that the School would provide equal support for speakers with diametrically opposing viewpoints.

It is believed that the turnout for the event was the largest in University history!