50 of 3200 BC students turned their backs yesterday when Condoleezza Rice spoke at their graduation. However pointless, it's usually appropriate for students to protest in this way. The 200 protesting faculty members on the other hand, not only look ridiculous (in the linked Globe photo) but they've positioned themselves as hypocrites.

It's not complicated. Unlike the students, the faculty have options. They work for BC. BC did something that they didn't like. So quit. Of if you're too weak-kneed to do that, miss the commencement.

But if you choose to take BC's money and then you show up at the boss's party, turn around, face the speaker and behave like an adult.