Events help counteract Coulter's speech
Cassandra Sturos
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: News
Ann Coulter's upcoming visit to NMU has sparked many different reactions from the positive to the very negative; the latter reaction sparked the idea for Tolerance Week.
A group of students brought their concerns over the conservative idealogue's April 14 speech to the Ethnic and Cultural Diversity Committee, where the idea for the week was formed.
A series of events have been planned for Tolerance Week. The events will be put on by a number of different student groups and faculty. The week starts Saturday, April 12 in the Cadillac Room of the University Center.
Jaime Engvall, a junior Spanish and international studies major, is in charge of "Don't Take it Personally," an event where students can send in stories of discrimination at Northern that will be re-enacted by other students.
The readings will take place Wednesday, April 16, at 7 p.m. in Whitman Commons.
Engvall said while Tolerance Week was inspired by Coulter's visit, the purpose of the events is not just to protest her speech.
"It's a great opportunity to talk about something that's important," she said. "I've seen active discrimination on campus, and everyone can learn more about tolerance and what's going on in the area."
Nancy Kenok, a sophomore international studies major, is also working on "Don't Take it Personally," and said she is glad Coulter is coming to NMU.
"I think she has the right to come here and talk; the First Amendment clearly states free speech," she said. "I've actually been wanting something like this to happen because I've witnessed discrimination on campus even before Ann Coulter. Her coming here has been a good opportunity to spark this whole thing."
Paul Lehmberg, an English professor and Buddhist priest, will speak at the Truth Rally, another event being put on for Tolerance Week. The rally will take place 5:30-7 p.m Monday, April 14, near the Vandament Arena.?
Lehmberg said that, as a Buddhist priest, he believes in commonality and the idea of everyone being tied together. He said that, in speaking at the Truth Rally, he wishes to celebrate that idea.
A group of students brought their concerns over the conservative idealogue's April 14 speech to the Ethnic and Cultural Diversity Committee, where the idea for the week was formed.
A series of events have been planned for Tolerance Week. The events will be put on by a number of different student groups and faculty. The week starts Saturday, April 12 in the Cadillac Room of the University Center.
Jaime Engvall, a junior Spanish and international studies major, is in charge of "Don't Take it Personally," an event where students can send in stories of discrimination at Northern that will be re-enacted by other students.
The readings will take place Wednesday, April 16, at 7 p.m. in Whitman Commons.
Engvall said while Tolerance Week was inspired by Coulter's visit, the purpose of the events is not just to protest her speech.
"It's a great opportunity to talk about something that's important," she said. "I've seen active discrimination on campus, and everyone can learn more about tolerance and what's going on in the area."
Nancy Kenok, a sophomore international studies major, is also working on "Don't Take it Personally," and said she is glad Coulter is coming to NMU.
"I think she has the right to come here and talk; the First Amendment clearly states free speech," she said. "I've actually been wanting something like this to happen because I've witnessed discrimination on campus even before Ann Coulter. Her coming here has been a good opportunity to spark this whole thing."
Paul Lehmberg, an English professor and Buddhist priest, will speak at the Truth Rally, another event being put on for Tolerance Week. The rally will take place 5:30-7 p.m Monday, April 14, near the Vandament Arena.?
Lehmberg said that, as a Buddhist priest, he believes in commonality and the idea of everyone being tied together. He said that, in speaking at the Truth Rally, he wishes to celebrate that idea.
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
Douglas Scott Treado, NMU/MA,1970
posted 4/10/08 @ 3:18 PM EST
Good to see that many individuals are taking this opportunity to teach tolerance to those interested....
Forty years ago, there was a US Job Corpswomen's Center at NMU. (Continued…)
Brian
posted 4/11/08 @ 7:32 PM EST
I find it interesting that Mr. Lehmberg is going to be protesting Ms. Coulter's speech for what he "thinks" she'll say. Perhaps he should attend the speech to see what she actually will say. (Continued…)
Robby
posted 4/12/08 @ 6:59 PM EST
I'm pretty sure Dr. Lehmberg has a good grasp on what Coulter will say, Brian. She's been saying the same thing for ten years.
James
posted 4/15/08 @ 2:16 PM EST
I highly agree with Robby. Ann Coulter is a right wing lunatic, to say the least. And I'm sorry for taking such a low shot. But I really don't know what else to say about her. (Continued…)
nonewithou2nd
posted 4/15/08 @ 2:24 PM EST
While protesting a speaker is always an option, it certainly doesn't show much TOLERANCE, does it? It seems to me the Dr. is saying "My way, or the highway. (Continued…)
Brian
posted 4/16/08 @ 9:46 PM EST
Yes, to be inclusive, you must include ALL people, not just those you agree with.
The Ann Coulter event went really well, it was a packed house, and there was no problems at all. (Continued…)
Eric
posted 4/17/08 @ 1:20 PM EST
I agree with Brian. I thought the walk out was very child-like (Flipping off the college republicans and saluting to the nazi's).
Some may have found this offensive and it does show how narrow-minded the progressive student body really is. (Continued…)
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