I had not heard of this woman before the other day, although I have heard of the issue of female mutilation, and don't have a settled opinion on whether her viewpoint of Islam is valid (I am trending this way, however). But I very much like that she can express it and that Yale University invited her to do so, despite a lot of pressure from opposition not to allow it. The introduction for her, done by Professor Goldblatt,  is something, generally, I absolutely agree with. 

Rough Transcript: .....Our task this evening, as I see it, is to listen slowy and carefully to our guest's remarks, thereby engaging in an open conversation.... and untlimately engaging ourselves ourselves in a number of crucial if thorny issues... celebrates free speech and the exchange of ideas... but also seeks to promote greater understanding of the complexities.....of Islam.. what I hope and pray will emerge is not simply a description of struggle between the west and the rest...The need for free speech in which we all seek to reach, need for free thought for which people have always fought, and finally for the need for 1 diversity at this university.  Let us always remember that free speech and currency of ideas are not just to be sung about and are not a given at Yale or anywhere else but a previous commodity to work towards and a right or a privilege never to be taken for granted. This university is supposed to be a place of great thoughts and free exchange of ideas... and I would like to think that there are no situations when this is not possible no matter how controversial a theme or painful a recollection of an experience. Indeed for each speaker that we welcome to Yale, whether we agree with that speaker or not, we all have to ask ourselves how can I do more? Where can I engage in dialogue with others to effect change? ... not all of Ms Alis remarks will be welcome by some members of the audience. In response let me simply state that you all of course do have an obligation to oppose ideas and beliefs that are antithetical to yours. The question is how do you do that? Do you do it by applying preconcieved notions of truth without listening or do you do it with civility and the ability to hear some body else's perhaps quite different views. In my humble estimation it is the latter approach and in particular the ability to listen to others that will hold you in good stead for the rest of your lives. It is the better path, I can assure you.