Colleges and universities have been known to push the envelope when it comes to inviting controversial figures to campuses, and Williams College, a prestigious private institution in western Massachusetts, is the latest -- by inviting a porn star.

The speaker, Jiz Lee, is described in the college calendar advertising the event as "an award-winning genderqueer performer, author, artist and pleasure activist." Friday night, a sample of the performer's work is scheduled to be shown on campus followed by a discussion with students.

Some have been shocked by the graphic description of the porn stars talents.

"For me I think the biggest question right now is a matter of whether the event has academic merit or whether it has social merit," said Marina Bousa, a junior studying anthropology at the college in Williamstown, Mass.

"What I really love about Williams is it's really kind of an exciting place to be.