For the first time since I have been at UF, I was embarrassed to be a Gator on Monday night. The treatment of Mr. Gonzales was completely devoid of class, professionalism and common decency.
So you don't like the man? Fine. Protest outside. When someone is giving a speech, you should not boo him, interrupt every line of the speech or rush the stage in homemade T-shirts. It speaks of immaturity, overexaggerated idealism and, worst of all, bad taste.
Mr. Gonzales' actions while in office were, at worst, questionable, but he isn't a monster. Controversy aside, he is a great American success story and deserved better than what UF showed him.
On behalf of Gators with common sense and courtesy, I would like to apologize to Mr. Gonzales. I only hope the actions of many members of the crowd do not give people the wrong impression of our school.
We are, for the most part, good people who do not treat visitors like pariahs. Shame on you, UF students. Even if you don't agree with Mr. Gonzales' politics, show him some respect. He has earned it, and Monday night, many of you lost it.
