Lantos didn't want to politicize commencement

The conversation followed a Board of Trustees meeting during which students and faculty expressed their displeasure with Lantos's support for the war in Iraq and other issues.

"There was no dis-inviting, no rescinding of anything," Day said. "It was strictly he and his staff and I agreed that it was in everybody's best interest if he did not attend the graduation."

Day described Lantos's reaction as "very classy."

Lantos was scheduled to receive a "Friends of Distinction" award at the Saturday morning graduation ceremony, Day said.

Day and the school's Board of Trustees were approached at the monthly board meeting Thursday night by a group of two faculty, Rodger Scott and Allan Fisher, and five students, Day said.

Fisher, an English as a Second Language instructor at the college, said he and the others had been notified about Lantos's appearance ten days earlier.

"We expressed deep concern over Lantos's record especially with regard to the war in Iraq, the support of the Patriot Act and his inability to look at the Israel/Palestinian situation fairly," said Fisher, who is president of the American Federation of Teachers Local 2121.

"I'm happy the board met us at least halfway and responded to us," Fisher said. "They found a way to make sure graduation was not disrupted by appearance of Tom Lantos."

Day said the protesters also threatened a picket line if Lantos appeared.

The chancellor said he would deal with if and when to present the award "down the road."

Lantos could not be reached for comment.