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Protesters Show Up For Robert Gates' IU Address

By Rachel Agler

Protesters Show Up For Robert Gates' IU Address

June 18, 2010 Updated Dec 21, 2009 at 10:12 AM EST BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) - A handful of war protesters turned out in snowy, cold conditions to protest Defense Secretary Robert Gates' weekend commencement address at Indiana University. As Gates spoke Saturday at IU's winter commencement, a half-dozen people held signs outside Assembly Hall protesting his commencement speech and U.S. involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq. Master's degree recipient Alex Smith joined the protest dressed in cap and gown and holding a sign. He said he didn't take part in the ceremony because Gates was asked to speak. Gates urged the more than 2,000 new graduates to get involved in the political process and public service, saying, "America needs the best and brightest from all walks of life." Gates earned a master's degree in Russian and East European studies from IU in 1966. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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