Just when you thought it was over, the mild response by the UF administration has once again been called into question. As opposed to withdrawing its demand for an apology, or even explaining its demand, the UF administration simply explained that it affirmed free speech and condemned terrorism. In the absence of real clarification, FL Attorney General Bill McCollum, FL House Majority Leader Adam Hasner, and Professor Steve Willis fight on. My own quote is truncated: I had said that free speech was still restricted, but that it was the best response we were going to get from them. I have gotten very used to poor response from the administration, so I thought it was okay, but thanks to the courageous efforts of others, I see my error.
From the article by Jack Stripling in The Gainesville Sun:
“The second e-mail that went out last week has absolutely not satisfied the attorney general,” said Sandi Copes, McCollum’s press secretary. “In the first response sent to students, Dr. Telles-Irvin called for an apology. That particular call was the very act that potentially chilled free speech on the campus and until an official response is made rescinding that call for an apology or acknowledging that it was wrong, the attorney general will remain unsatisfied and gravely concerned.”
Janine Sikes, a spokeswoman for UF, said Tuesday that the university was still working to clarify McCollum’s continuing areas of concern.
“We’ve had conversations with the attorney general’s office and we are still talking,” she said.
The controversy over the fliers marks yet another free speech debate on UF’s campus, where such discussions have been plentiful in recent months. Free speech advocates latched onto the “Don’t Tase me, bro” incident in September, saying the Tasering of a UF student at a political forum was an affront to the free exchange of ideas universities are designed to promote. A recent appearance by former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales also sparked controversy when several students rushed the stage unimpeded by security.
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