The Black Affairs Council has chosen Benjamin Chavis Jr., former national director of the NAACP, as one of their guest speakers for a national conference in November.

Some group members say the choice has raised questions across campus because of recent controversy surrounding Chavis.

Troy Alim, coordinator of the BAC, said some people have asked why the BAC would invite Chavis to speak at the conference because of the controversy.

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Chavis was dismissed from the NAACP after he arranged to pay Mary E. Stansel, former employee at the NAACP, $332,400 in organization funds to settle a sex discrimination complaint. He was also accused of financial mismanagement.

(Chavis) has not been found guilty of any charges, Alim said. As we examine the law system in the United States, you are innocent until proven guilty.

Alim said there will be sessions with the speakers that will give the students an opportunity to ask Chavis questions concerning the issue. (Chavis is) not shying away from the issue, Alim said. This will also give (Chavis) an avenue to address attacks on his character.

Christi C. Harber, assistant director of Internal Affairs, said Chavis has committed his life to the civil rights movement and he is recognized throughout the country for his leadership skills.

Will Sanders, director of operations, said the leadership conference has more to offer than just Chavis. The conference will include leadership workshops, panel discussions, vendors and keynote speakers.

There will be a variety of workshops and round-table discussions that will cover issues ranging from personal finance to civil rights, Sanders said.

Two other speakers, Mona Lake Jones and Patricia Russell-McCloud, have been scheduled to deliver their own personal speeches based on the theme of the conference, Education, Economics, and Empowerment:Foundations for the Black Agenda.

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Dwight Gunn, coordinator of the conference, said a leadership team worked throughout the spring semester to look for qualified leaders for the national conference.

.The leadership conference is geared to promote African-American issues for all cultures to learn from, Gunn said.

The purpose of the conference is to enable students to enhance their leadership skills, Gunn said.

Tiffany Thomas, assistant director of external affairs, said all students will gain insight from the leadership conference.

It’s important that every SIUC student attend this conference for motivation and intellectual growth, Thomas said.

The conference is open to the public for a charge of $85. SIUC students and faculty will receive a discount; students admission will be $35 and faculty admission will be $45.