Hundreds of people passed through metal detectors and bag checks outside Highlander Gym at McLennan Community College on Thursday night as the school hosted the third annual Ken Starr Lecture Series.
While most attendees waited in line to enter, a small group of protesters held signs near the entrance, saying Kavanaugh’s presence sent the wrong message. Organizers emphasized the lecture series is intended to provide perspective, not politics.
The series, named for the former Baylor University president and federal judge, began in 2022 following Starr’s unexpected death. MCC President Johnette McKown said the series continues the mission of Starr’s Baylor lecture series, On Point, which is no longer active. Both programs aim to bring free, insightful conversations to Central Texas.
“We kind of do it to provide a perspective. It’s either law or leadership or public policy – and it’s our joy to offer that to the community,” McKown said.
Previous speakers have included Starr’s former neighbor, theologian Os Guinness, and last year, Starr’s nephew, a U.S. District Judge. This year’s guest, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, worked alongside Starr for many years in Washington.
“We feel like that’s part of our mission. We’re out there to educate and empower students, enrich our community,” said Cruseturner, an MCC organizer.
Starr’s widow, Alice Starr, said her late husband’s own start at a community college inspired his passion for creating opportunities like this lecture series.
“He was one of those students who couldn’t afford a four-year education, so he understood some of these kids are really bright,” she said.
Starr also helped bring Justice Clarence Thomas to MCC in 2017, a visit that made the college unique among both community colleges and four-year universities, Cruseturner said.
At Thursday’s event, MCC students had reserved seats near the stage, giving them direct access to Kavanaugh. Honors students met with him privately earlier in the day.
Audio recording was not permitted during the lecture. Cruseturner said he screened nearly 300 community-submitted questions and was only able to ask a handful, covering topics such as civic education, balancing faith and judicial duty, and debates over televising Supreme Court proceedings.
Organizers said nearly 2,000 people attended, one of the largest crowds in MCC’s history. They plan to continue bringing national voices to Waco through the lecture series.
Got a tip? Email Molly-Jo Tilton at Molly-jo_tilton@baylor.edu.
KWBU is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.
