By Robert Madden

A student organization dedicated to communication skills and encouraging others to express their opinions on social and political issues will host a speech next Wednesday by one of the most provocative modern authors.

The Professional Organization in Speech Education (P.O.I.S.E.), an academic club established this past year, will present Salman Rushdie in conjunction with the School of Communication and the Provost Office. The speech, entitled “The Role of the Novelist in the 21st Century,” will take place in Monroe Lecture Hall on March 21 during common hour.

Rushdie is best known for his 1988 novel, The Satanic Verses. The novel caused the orthodox Iranian leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, to issue a Fatwa requiring Rushdie’s execution for what was perceived as an irreverent depiction of the prophet Muhammad.

During his lecture, Rushdie will talk about the novel and the surrounding issues including religion and free speech.

P.O.I.S.E hosted its third Free Speech day on March 14, where students were given the opportunity to step up to the podium. “We are proud and anxious to bring Salman Rushdie to campus,” said Sid Nathan, president of P.O.I.S.E. “He is the perfect way to follow the Free Speech Days that have been leading up to this event.”