BEND, OR -- Oregon Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer will deliver the commencement address Saturday at Central Oregon Community College. "I’m very excited to address the students who are graduating. This is a big accomplishment," she told KBND News this week.

But the Republican’s appearance has drawn criticism from students like James Petersen, who call some of her policies transphobic. "The presence of Lori Chavez-DeRemer makes people uncomfortable. And we believe that choosing her goes against some of the diversity and inclusion statements that the school has made." COCC President Dr. Laurie Chesley emailed students and staff last week, apologizing for not involving more of the campus in deciding who would speak; but she did not revoke Chavez-DeRemer's invitation. Petersen, a first year student, says some graduates plan to protest peacefully, "We don’t want to ruin commencement for anyone else, any more than it already has been. So, the most we’re going to do at commencement is wearing rainbow sashes and things like that." He says the LGBTQ+ club and other students oppose her support of the "Parents Bill of Rights" and the "Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act."

Chavez-DeRemer is aware of the controversy, "Everybody has a right to free speech. They have a right to stand up and express their opinions. I believe in that wholeheartedly. So, I’m looking forward to meeting all the students that are there, shake their hands, let them get to know me and maybe they’ll have a difference of opinion." She added, "But this is an exciting time in their lives and we shouldn’t make this about my speech. I’m going to address them in a very congratulatory manner."

She says she has not been contacted by any student groups regarding her appearance. "I’m just not really getting caught up in the negative side but I do believe people have a right to their opinions and I would love to talk to those students and all of them. I welcome them all and I hope that they’ll welcome me and we’ll have that conversation." Chavez-DeRemer went on to say, "All Oregonians are valuable and I’m never going to take my eye off that ball in recognizing that everybody’s important and we’re going to get through this. It’s going to be a good day for them."

Past commencement speakers include Republican Congressman Greg Walden and Democratic Senator Ron Wyden. 

COCC’s graduation starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Bend campus.