Student Choice: At What Cost?

Donald Trump will appear this Thursday as the Student Choice Speaker for the Distinguished Speakers Series. Trump will receive $200,000, which is the highest speaking fee the series has ever paid. The Student Association partly funds the event with the mandatory student activity fee. In the past all speaking events have been free for students, but because of the higher cost of Trump's lecture, SA has chosen to recoup some of the cost this year by charging students $10. The Spectrum feels this series should remain free to students and that in the future the Office of Special Events and SA should work to bring valuable and cost-effective speakers to UB.

Each year since 1987, the university has chosen a series of speakers to share their unique experiences in an effort to inform and spark conversation for not only students but the community as well. One of the speakers, the "Student Choice Speaker" is chosen by a ballot offered online, through SA and at each of the events the previous year. The names on the list are normally recycled from year to year. Other possibilities this year included controversial filmmaker Michael Moore or a political debate between comedian Al Franken and actor Ben Stein. According to the Office of Special Events and SA, Donald Trump was a clear favorite and both offices felt that they wanted to do everything they could to provide him to the students.

Trump, who has an estimated net worth of $2.6 billion, initially would not entertain an offer below $250,000 (although he eventually accepted $200,000). Former President Bill Clinton, who spoke in spring 2002, originally requested $125,000 but in the end he waived payment. In comparison to Clinton, Trump's financial demand of a state university system is unconscionable.

William Regan of the Office of Special Events said most speakers require a low six-digit fee, including recent speakers Bill Cosby and Rudy Giuliani. While Donald Trump has his merits he is not a former leader of the free world like Bill Clinton or a heroic figure leading a city in the midst of national emergency as Rudy Giuliani did. If these speakers are able to perform the same hour speak for a significantly lower cost, SA and the Office of Special Events should not have given into Trump's demand and rather reconsidered their choices. Clearly some of the other potential guests were equally as valuable and likely less expensive.

Students at this university have the unique opportunity to experience a wide range of speakers, which offer enlightenment on a number of significant issues. This may be the only time in their lives that they are given such a chance. All students are more likely to attend such events if they are free. Ticket sales for Trump have suffered - only 4,500 tickets were sold as of Tuesday, approximately half the arena's seating capacity.

While the Office of Special Events and SA should be commended for providing the students with their first choice, it should have also taken into account the financial consequences. Another popular, high-quality speaker could have been found at an appropriate fee. In the future those in charge should work to maintain free events.