After accepting an honorary degree, Eisenhower spoke in platitudes briefly. But soon, writes the Times, “the words Mr. Eisenhower would utter—off the cuff, with unrehearsed passion—touched on issues that would be entirely familiar today: the tension, real or perceived, between the free exchange of ideas and security; the power of fringe forces to shape or control a political party; the duty of patriots to be critical of their country.”
“We have the disgrace of racial discrimination, or we have prejudice against people because of their religion. We have not had the courage to uproot these things, although we know they are wrong,” Eisenhower told the College’s graduating class, the Times notes.
Read the full story, published 3/10/15 by The New York Times.
