Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice backing out of a planned commencement speech at Rutgers University in the face of protest this week is not the first example of commencement-related controversy.
Just last month, first lady Michelle Obama was pushed to move the date of her speech for the Topeka, Kansas, Public School District. The first lady had planned to speak at graduation but a petition was started by parents and students who were worried Obama's appearance would limit the number of tickets for family members.
After 2,500 students and parents signed the petition, Obama decided instead to speak at "Senior Recognition Day."
In addition to Obama and Rice, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has also faced hurdles during the graduation season.
Christie had a contentious interaction with students from Rowan University, where he was scheduled to give a commencement address in May. After it was announced Christie was going to speak at graduation, several students heckled the governor at a town hall meeting and were ejected from the meeting. Students were complaining about how handled superstorm Sandy relief funding and the George Washington Bridge scandal.
In spite of the protests, the governor was still scheduled to speak at the school.
Graduation speakers have stirred dissent among faculty and students many times before, as well.
