Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is delivering the commencement address and is receiving an honorary degree at St. John Fisher next week.
But nearly 50 faculty members are objecting to his appearance in light of some recent controversial remarks he made over President Obama and race.
Assistant Professor Jill Swiencicki is one of those faculty members who signed a letter written to college president Donald Bain, expressing their concerns.
"We simply don't believe Mr. Giuliani's racially divisive speech needs to be held up an honored with an honorary degree," said Swiencicki.
She adds "we would never want to censor Mr. Giuliani or his speech -- the question is do we honor it, with a doctor of laws."
In a statement, St. John Fisher College says Giuliani will speak about leadership and his role after 9/11 -- both topics "we believe will resonate with students and families."
Giuliani is scheduled to speak May 9th.