Students nix IMF chief’s commencement address at Smith College

Eric Stoner
May 13, 2014

On Monday, International Monetary Fund managing director Christine Lagarde withdrew as the 2014 commencement speaker at Smith College after a petition opposing the decision gathered hundreds of signatures.

Time magazine said “many were shocked by the news,” and then featured several tweets supporting Lagarde.

“Those who objected will be satisfied that their activism has had a desired effect,” wrote Smith President Kathleen McCartney. “But at what cost to Smith College?”

A better question, perhaps, would be: What has been saved by not having Lagarde speak at the college?