TURLOCK, Calif. — A throng of protesting students and hundreds of well-heeled donors were prepared to greet Sarah Palin, whose speech at a cash-strapped public university in California’s farm country Friday evening was to cap off a prolonged legal feud over her visit.
The former Alaska governor was set to headline at the 50th anniversary celebration at California State University, Stanislaus, which in recent days has transformed its humble cafeteria into a glitzy Gala Hall, draped with crimson tablecloths and surrounded by chain-link fences.
Palin’s speech has generated intense intrigue and scrutiny since the nonprofit foundation holding the event announced her visit in March. Officials have refused to divulge the terms of her contract, her speaking fee or any additional details about her trip.
News of Palin’s requirements came to light only after students fished several pages of the contract from a trash bin, which prompted California Attorney General Jerry Brown to launch an investigation into the finances of the university’s foundation arm and allegations that the nonprofit violated public disclosure laws.
“We cannot believe the stuff that has gone on with our campus over Sarah Palin’s visit,” said Alicia Lewis, 26, who was one of the students who retrieved piles of paperwork, including pieces of the contract document, from a trash container in April. “And now they’re fencing the campus off? It’s outrageous.”
University spokeswoman Eve Hightower said the extensive fencing and extra security were standard procedure for large campus events. She said the university had remained open to students going to class.
The sold-out dinner Friday was expected to bring in more than $200,000, making the gala the most successful fundraiser in the university’s history, said university foundation board president Matt Swanson.
“We’re not here to make a political statement, we’re here to make money,” Swanson said. “This event has surpassed all of our expectations.”
The rural university has had to cut some classes and cancel several scholarships as a result of California’s ongoing financial woes.
