Statement by UMKC Chancellor Leo E. Morton regarding Chelsea Clinton Speech

Chelsea Clinton came to UMKC in Feb. 2014 to speak at the kickoff of the Starr Womens Hall of Fame, which was founded to advance and support the empowerment of women. The hall of fame, comprised of 24 community organizations including UMKC, selected Ms. Clinton for her track record of supporting and advocating for women and for her ability to inspire new generations of young women.Ms. Clintons fee was paid entirely from private donations. No taxpayer funds not state education funding, not student tuition and fees were used to support the speech.With regard to university-sponsored events, UMKC routinely invites speakers from a variety of backgrounds to come to campus to share their thoughts and experiences with our students and our community. It is common practice to pay speaking fees and travel expenses using private donations. Our invited speakers for university-sponsored events range across the political spectrum. In the past year alone, UMKC-affiliated events have featured speakers ranging from former Sen. John Danforth and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach to U.S. Rep Emanuel Cleaver.