All of a sudden, Brian Snyder '05 is a celebrity at Brandeis. "I walk into places and people clap," Snyder told me. "People are pointing at me, saying that's the kid who wrote the letter. It's really amazing. I'm getting instant messages and phone calls from people I don't even know. I've received e-mails from alumni and people willing to write letters on my behalf."

Snyder has had a twisted journey to his current status. He is either Campus Hero, the savior who spoke out on behalf of the students, or Campus Complainer, the brat who suddenly declared that Brandeis is the worst school in the world.

The story has been told many times over by now. In short, Snyder wrote a scathing email to University President Jehuda Reinharz, criticizing, among other things, the selection of Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall of Massachusetts' Supreme Judicial Court as commencement speaker.

"We have spent four long, tiring years at this school, paid over 130,000 dollars in tuition fees, and have endured countless wastes of our money and time," he wrote.

Reinharz composed an e-mail to his executive assistant, John Hose, querying "if [Snyder is] on scholarship." Accidentally, Reinharz sent that message back to Snyder.

When Snyder saw the accidental e-mail, he thought at first that it was a practical joke. "I was astonished, shocked that the leader of a school would ask something like that."

Snyder wrote back to Reinharz; the message culminated with: "To answer your question, no, I am not on scholarship. Have a good evening."
"I realize it was more of a sarcastic approach, but I could answer the question for him quicker than Dr. Hose," Snyder told me.

Reinharz sent an intended response to Snyder two days later. "I attempted to learn more about why you might feel that Brandeis has failed you... I mistakenly sent to you an email clearly intended for my executive assistant... It was a mistake."

In the aftermath of these incidences, it seems that everyone has an opinion on Marshall, Snyder and the e-mail. Snyder's point of view can be interpreted two ways: Either it was a childish rant against Brandeis, or an intellectual argument that the University wastes money and opportunities.

But Snyder "knows for a fact" that he is speaking for most Brandeis students. "The fact that this thing spread like crazy is a testament that people agree with you," he said.

It could be that. Or it could be the reason why I was drawn to his Web site: It was a controversy. In the spirit of Janet Jackson's nipple slip, news of Reinharz's e-mail slipspread more-or-less because it was the hot rumor that everyone had to see.

Reinharz made a bad mistake, but it happens. Does the incident say something momentous about Brandeis-that it focuses solely on money, that Reinharz's nice-guy personality is just a facade for a money-hungry monster, and that he is involved in a grand conspiracy against students? I doubt it.

In his e-mail, Snyder demanded that a commencement speaker be at least humorous and entertaining. He suggested that Brandeis look into the possibilities of Sacha Baron Cohen (better known as Ali G) and Will Ferrell-who have spoken at Harvard in recent years-and Jon Stewart. "I agree with those who say Ali G is not an intellectual, but it would've been a nice change," Snyder said. "Tom Brokaw is coming. Why couldn't he have spoken?"

With the liberal leanings of this school, it is a no-brainer why Marshall was picked. She is a contemporary Martin Luther King Jr. to many Brandeis students, opening the gates to gay marriage and speaking up for freedom.

In addition, Marshall reminds me of Brandeis itself; she is a scholarly woman who is virtually unheard of throughout the nation, but one that is renowned in intellectual circles. She is a celebrity in the legal world rather than in the entertainment world.

Though Snyder thinks that only a vocal minority is excited, I trust that it is difficult to bring celebrities to Brandeis, and that Marshall will be memorable.

Yet Snyder still believes he is fighting the good fight. "I did the right thing," he said. "People are afraid to take a chance. I didn't do anything wrong, threaten or insult the President. If Brandeis' only concern about students is their wealth, then everyone should see it.

"I understand that not everyone agrees with me. But they have to understand that not everyone agrees with them. I took a stand and I respect their stance. If they don't respect mine, they're ignorant."

Snyder exercised his voice and spoke passionately about what he believes. He stands by his facts and viewpoints, right or wrong. Friends and foes, passionate beliefs, exercising one's voice for what one believes is right? Mysteriously, I'm noticing some similar qualities between Snyder and Justice Marshall.