1970,
Smith, sexual liberation & nixon
Three years before the passing of Roe Vs. Wade, the president of Planned Parenthood accepted the invitation to give the commencement address to the graduating class of 1970. But he was not first choice. Julie Nixon Eisenhower was graduating from Smith, and as expected, President Richard Nixon was first invited to give the address. He declined, much to the chagrin of the trustees, alums, and administrators. What is more, Julie did not even walk; her diploma was mailed to her. Many asked how sexual politics could have come before the daughter of the President of The United States. Most of that answer lies in the increasing tension concerning the Vietnam War. Within the same month as commencement, four students were killed by the National Guard at Kent State in response to their protests against the U.S. invasion of Cambodia.