Dive Summary:
- The University of Michigan invited Alice Walker, author of "The Color Purple," to speak but then withdrew the invitation.
- On her blog, the author said her agent was told a donor objected to her speaking because of her outspoken views on Israel.
- On the website of the university organization that invited Walker, Center for the Education of Women director Gloria D.Thomas said donors had nothing to do with it and apologized for the way the invitation was handled.
Dive Insight:
Walker's website offers the text of the letter from her agent and offers this to those who were hoping to see her speak: "If you should read this, people of the invitation, know I send you my love, and my understanding, without reservation. I thought you were brave to invite me, and I cherish you for that."
