In a recent development, Susan Shepler, an Associate Professor and PhD Program Director at American University in Washington, D.C., has vehemently denied allegations of accepting a significant bribe to host Sierra Leone’s President Julius Bio as a guest speaker at the institution.
Taking to social media, Shepler defended the university’s decision, emphasizing the importance of fostering public dialogue on Sierra Leone’s pressing issues.
She agreed with many concerns raised by a Sierra Leonean caller, such as democratic decay and issues with policing, but maintained the necessity of providing a platform for open discussion.
“Just had a call from a Sierra Leonean upset that we are giving President Bio a platform to speak. Though I agree with MANY of the caller’s concerns (democratic decay, deadly policing, etc.), I still think it’s important to host a public dialogue,” she stated.
Moreover, Shepler clarified that she had not received any bribe in connection with President Bio’s visit and mentioned that the government had provided informational booklets for the university’s collections.
President Julius Bio, an alumnus of American University, delivered a public lecture titled “Building a Prosperous and Secured Future through Human Capital Development – the Sierra Leone Example” on Friday.
Following the lecture, Shepler moderated a Q&A session during which the President alleged that the United States had pressured him to interfere in Sierra Leone’s June 24 election count.
Bio’s comments during the event have stirred both local and international attention, with some critics questioning the university’s decision to provide a platform for discussing election controversies.
