University of Michigan Disinvites 'The Color Purple' Author From Speaking On Campus
Walker — best known for her 1982 novel "The Color Purple" — had been invited to speak at the 50th anniversary of the university's Center for the Education of Women. It is unclear why exactly the author's invitation was rescinded, according to AnnArbor.com.
An email posted on Walker's blog from a speaking agent claims that the author's outspoken criticism of Israel played a role in her offer being rescinded:
The email appeared under the title "In Case You’ve Ever Wondered How It Is Done: Censorship by Purse String." However, a statement from the director of UMich's Center for the Education of Women said that finances played no part in their decision:
Inside Higher Ed describes Walker as a "political activist" and notes that she supports a boycott of Israel. The author refused to allow an Israeli edition of "The Color Purple" to be published, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.