Posted by Eugene Volokh:
University of North Carolina Chancellor on the Thuggery at the Tancredo Speech:
http://volokh.com/archives/archive_2009_04_12-2009_04_18.shtml#1239920904
Jan Rybnicek passes along this e-mail sent to students, faculty,
staff, and alumni by the UNC Chancellor:
Message from the Chancellor: Free Speech at Carolina (April 15,
2009)
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
I want to express how disappointed I am in what happened last night
when former Congressman Tom Tancredo wasn't able to speak when a
protest got out of hand, and our Department of Public Safety had to
take action. Congressman Tancredo felt threatened and left without
making his remarks.
Mr. Tancredo was scheduled to speak about immigration. We expect
protests about controversial subjects at Carolina. That's part of
our culture. But we also pride ourselves on being a place where all
points of view can be expressed and heard. There's a way to protest
that respects free speech and allows people with opposing views to
be heard. Here that's often meant that groups protesting a speaker
have displayed signs or banners, silently expressing their opinions
while the speaker had his or her say. That didn't happen last
night.
On behalf of our University community, I called Mr. Tancredo today
to apologize for how he was treated. In addition, our Department of
Public Safety is investigating this incident. They will pursue
criminal charges if any are warranted. Our Division of Student
Affairs is also investigating student involvement in the protest.
If that investigation determines sufficient evidence, participating
students could face Honor Court proceedings.
Carolina's tradition of free speech is a fundamental part of what
has made this place special for more than 200 years. Let's recommit
ourselves to that ideal.
Sincerely,
Holden Thorp
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