Over 30 People Gather to Protest JCC’s Decision to Have Cathy Young as Commencement Speaker
Over 30 people attended a protest held at
Jamestown Community College Friday night. The protest was over the decision by the college administration and board of trustees to have former State Senator
Cathy Young speak at commencement against the unanimous recommendation of the college’s
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force.
JCC Political Science Professor Dr.
Greg Rabb cited Young’s voting record which included voting against marriage equality and transgender rights, “Every step of the way, let me repeat that, she fought and voted against us every step of the way. She voted against marriage equality, endorsing discrimination against those of us who fall in love someone of the same gender and expecting legal protection of our rights. We won despite her.”
JCC Declines to Replace Cathy Young as Commencement Speaker Following Backlash
Jamestown Community College has no plans to replace former State Senator
Cathy Young as the Commencement speaker following backlash over her legislative actions in regards to the Queer community.
JCC Political Professor
Dr. Greg Rabb issued a statement last week speaking out against Young being the speaker, citing her votes against marriage equality and transgender rights.
College officials responded to WRFA saying they will be moving forward with Cathy Young as the keynote speaker at the virtual ceremony on Friday. An updated statement from JCC President Dr. Daniel DeMarte is below.
Former State Sen. Young to Give Keynote at JCC Graduation
Catherine Young
Jamestown Community College‘s Virtual Commencement Ceremony on May 14th.
Young is currently the executive director of the New York State Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture at Cornell AgriTech. She previously served for 20 years in the New York State Legislature, representing Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties.
JCC’s virtual commencement ceremony will air on its website at 6 p.m., Friday, May 14th. The ceremony will be available on-demand following its conclusion.
Graduates also will be given the opportunity to walk across the stage at the clock tower of the college’s Cattaraugus County Campus on Saturday, May 15th or pond-side at its Jamestown Campus on Sunday, May 16th. The outdoor ceremony will follow health and safety guidelines from public health agencies. In-person events are subject to change.