The University of Iowa Lecture Committee announced that controversial former president Jimmy Carter will be delivering the school’s Distinguished Lecture at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on April 18. Since publishing this book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, Carter has drawn intense criticism from the Jewish community. The annoucement immediately prompted both praise and criticism.

Hillel Director Jerry Sorokin said he was concerned about the UI Lecture Committee soliciting questions for Carter before the event - a request that the panel made in a university-wide e-mail announcing the lecture.

Students can submit questions via the committee’s website or at the University Box Office.

Sorokin said if the group screened the questions in advance, it makes it unlikely that controversial viewpoints would be aired.

“I just don’t think it makes anyone look good,” Sorokin said.

The eight-year director said a preferable method could involve inviting students to ask questions at a microphone for 30 seconds so they could engage in a dialogue with Carter.

Thomas acknowledged those concerns as valid. But she said the committee is pursuing organizations such as Hillel and the General Union of Palestinian students for questions, which will be reviewed by several people with an emphasis on diversity.

“They’re not screened for [Carter’s] interests,” Thomas said.

Still, Sorokin addressed qualms with Carter’s book, specifically regarding the title’s use of the word apartheid.

“It’s not only inaccurate, but it’s inflammatory,” Sorokin said.

Tickets, only two per person, can be obtained at the University Box Office from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. beginning April 2-4 for students with IDs. Tickets for UI faculty and staff will be available April 5 and for the general public on April 6.