ON the other hand, students are still exercising their rights, even at a conservative Mormon establishment:

KSL News) BYU students wanting an alternative commencement speaker to Vice President Dick Cheney could get their wish, thanks in part to a local filmmaker.

The Deseret Morning News reports shortly after director Steven Greenstreet posted video footage online from an April 4 protest at BYU, the donations came pouring in.

By Monday afternoon, students, faculty and alumni received more than $12,000.

The money should be able to fund an alternative commencement at Utah Valley State College.

Meanwhile the uproar has drawn national attention because it's seen as a sign the Bush administration's support is waning. Cheney will speak at BYU's commencement on Thursday.