Smith began its Year on Democracies with a Presidential Colloquium featuring Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. She opened the annual Colloquium series on Sep 8, answering questions from Smith students and faculty about the condition of the U.S. democracy and her position within it as one of the most politically powerful women in the country. The event was held at John M. Greene Hall, allowing a portion of the Smith community to attend in-person, while others watched the live-stream.
Speaker Pelosi discussed the threat of misinformation to democracy, especially in the context of the last two presidential elections. She explained her commitment to “freedom of expression,” but not to “profit-motive, exploiting misinformation to the detriment of truth in our society.” Voter suppression was also noted as a preeminent issue putting democracy at risk: Madame Speaker expressed “the sanctity of the vote,” calling it “the essence of a democracy.” She said, “if you suppress the vote, you are suppressing the democracy.”
Alongside these foundations of democracy, Madame Speaker spoke about the diverse U.S. population and the importance of accepting immigrants. She urged the audience to “welcome the Afghani evacuees to the United States” as they flee the Taliban, also noting the approaching twentieth anniversary of the Sep 11 terrorist attacks and the subsequent war in Afghanistan.
Questions from the Smith community prompted discussion of a variety of other topics, including climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaker Pelosi mentioned the 2022 budget resolution and reconciliation that could address the climate crisis. She spoke of current events with an optimistic tone, highlighting the work she is doing in Congress as signs of hope, and urging Smith students to “be ready” for their time to make a difference.
In response to Speaker Pelosi’s presence, right-wing groups from outside the Smith community protested on campus. They were the cause of safety concerns for Smith community members and were met with a counterprotest run by students. The school increased police presence on campus in preparation for Speaker Pelosi’s arrival, but the right-wing groups’ proximity to student housing and dining buildings put students in direct danger. Students were advised by their student house leaders to avoid the protests, but did not receive any official communication from the College regarding safety concerns on the day of the event.
On the evening of the colloquium, Speaker Pelosi was awarded an honorary degree from the College. She expressed her appreciation and said she “couldn’t be prouder to be a ‘Smithie.’” Many Smith students, however, protested at the event because they opposed Speaker Pelosi’s approach to particular policy issues, some stating that she “does not work for us.” The student protests could be heard outside the building while the colloquium took place. The protestors shared concerns about Speaker Pelosi’s lack of action in establishing Medicare for All and the Green New Deal, as well as increases in the military budget and incarceration during her time in Congress. They chanted and projected their requests onto a nearby building as Speaker Pelosi left the campus.
Despite the various protests, the event went on, and Speaker Pelosi concluded the colloquium with words of encouragement. She said, “know your vision” and “stand your ground.” And right outside, students did just that.
To learn more about the protests, see “Three Protests Gathered Around John M. Greene Hall During Colloquium.”
(Photo by Smith College)
