Featured Image Credit: Wake Forest University
Topics: Donald Trump, US News, Politics
Poppy Bilderbeck
Topics: Donald Trump, US News, Politics
A CBS journalist has called on students to not 'settle', arguing universities, freedom of speech, journalism and the US' 'sacred rule of law' are 'under attack'.
Wake Forest University’s Class of 2025 were treated to a speech from CBS 60 Minutes journalist Scott Pelley at their graduation on May 19 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
CBS is currently being sued by president Donald Trump for $20bn, the POTUS accusing 60 Minutes of favorably editing an interview with Kamala Harris in 2024 and subsequently engaging in 'unlawful and illegal behavior'.
Trump also signed an executive order earlier this year in a bid to end 'illegal' diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies which could lead to the dismantling of college programs supporting underrepresented groups and reversing the efforts which have gone into providing equal access to America's education system.
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And Pelley didn't hold back from addressing both issues in his speech.
While immediately noting how 'honored and grateful' he was to be with students on their special day, Pelley reflected what 'a challenging road' it's also been.
He said: "You have worked. You have worried. You have wondered whether you would ever reach this day. I'm not talking to the graduates. I'm talking to the parents and the families. Why are there so many people here? Because nobody got here alone."
The journalist reflected on a story he did for 60 Minutes which led him to meet a student who graduated and then suddenly realised she wasn't doing what she was passionate about, reenrolling and becoming an astronomer who now works on the James Webb Space Telescope.
However, Pelley didn't just reflect on graduation, but also the role students play in wider society and why their 'country needs' them - using his speech as an opportunity to implore students to pick up the 'baton' and 'run with it'.
He said: "I'm a reporter, so I won't bury the lead. Your country needs you.
"The country that has given you so much is calling you, the class of 2025, your country needs you and it needs you today.
"This morning our sacred rule of law is under attack. Journalism is under attack, universities are under attack, freedom of speech is under attack and insidious fear is reaching throughout schools, our businesses, our homes and into our private thoughts."
And that wasn't all Pelley had to say on the 'fear to speak in America'.
The journalist questioned: "If our government is, in Lincoln’s phrase ‘of the people, by the people, for the people,’ then why are we afraid to speak?
"Power can rewrite history, with grotesque, false narratives. They can make criminals heroes, and heroes criminals.
"Power can change the definition of the words we use to describe reality. Diversity is now described as illegal. Equity is to be shunned. Inclusion is a dirty word. This is an old playbook, my friends. There is nothing new in this."
Pelley argued: "America works well when we listen to those with whom we disagree and when we listen and when we have common ground, and when we compromise. And one thing we can all agree on – one thing at least – is that America is at her best when everyone is included.
"We debate, not demonize. We debate and not destroy."
Pelley asked students to question 'who' they are, reflecting the graduates are being handed 'the baton' and encouraging them to 'run with it'.
He resolved: "This world is going to tell you ‘no’ a thousand times, but listen to the song in your heart. You only lose if you quit. Do not settle."
And Pelley's comments were echoed by the university's president, Susan R. Wente, too.
The president told students: "Use your voice for good. Use your courage to lift others. Use your education to serve the world."