Truth Rally brings students together
Claire Abent
Issue date: 4/17/08 Section: News
While Ann Coulter prepared to go on stage, a group of concerned students, faculty and community members gathered outside the Vandament Arena to protest her presence.
The Truth Rally, sponsored by the Progressive Student Roundtable, consisted of several speakers voicing their opinions about Coulter and her speaking engagement at Northern. Also present were various student organizations with tables set up to provide information to those who attended.
Brandon Schlacht, who created the Facebook group "NMU Students AGAINST Ann Coulter," introduced the event with his own personal story. Formerly apathetic, Schlacht decided to become involved.
"What if we did something?" he said. "What if we stood up and said 'no' to Ann Coulter? When we aren't paying attention, we lose our campus, we lose our voice."
Schlact then talked about the first Tolerance Week at NMU, which sprung up as a reaction to Coulter's visit, but said there was a difference because of the actions of students, not simply because of Coulter.
James Schiffer, professor and head of the English department, next voiced his opinions about Coulter and her message. Coulter is a shock jock, Schiffer said, adding that she wants to provoke people. He also thanked the crowd for gathering in a unified effort, something he said he hadn't seen since the 1960s. He also emphasized the importance of civil discourse and speaking out.
In conclusion, Schiffer told the attendees: "Peace be with all of you tonight and please, let's continue to walk the high road."
The next speaker, Mohey Mowafy, professor in the health, physical education and recreation department, talked about bigotry and Islamophobia, both something he has been on the receiving end of. Mowafy defined what both were and then offered suggestions on how to combat both, one of which was education.
Other speakers included Alex Carrol, professor of anthropology, Paul Lehmberg, English professor, John Smolens, English professor and Robert Goodrich, associated professor of history.
The Truth Rally, sponsored by the Progressive Student Roundtable, consisted of several speakers voicing their opinions about Coulter and her speaking engagement at Northern. Also present were various student organizations with tables set up to provide information to those who attended.
Brandon Schlacht, who created the Facebook group "NMU Students AGAINST Ann Coulter," introduced the event with his own personal story. Formerly apathetic, Schlacht decided to become involved.
"What if we did something?" he said. "What if we stood up and said 'no' to Ann Coulter? When we aren't paying attention, we lose our campus, we lose our voice."
Schlact then talked about the first Tolerance Week at NMU, which sprung up as a reaction to Coulter's visit, but said there was a difference because of the actions of students, not simply because of Coulter.
James Schiffer, professor and head of the English department, next voiced his opinions about Coulter and her message. Coulter is a shock jock, Schiffer said, adding that she wants to provoke people. He also thanked the crowd for gathering in a unified effort, something he said he hadn't seen since the 1960s. He also emphasized the importance of civil discourse and speaking out.
In conclusion, Schiffer told the attendees: "Peace be with all of you tonight and please, let's continue to walk the high road."
The next speaker, Mohey Mowafy, professor in the health, physical education and recreation department, talked about bigotry and Islamophobia, both something he has been on the receiving end of. Mowafy defined what both were and then offered suggestions on how to combat both, one of which was education.
Other speakers included Alex Carrol, professor of anthropology, Paul Lehmberg, English professor, John Smolens, English professor and Robert Goodrich, associated professor of history.
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gator
posted 4/18/08 @ 8:22 AM EST
The only reason these people were protesting Ann Coulter is because they have been so indoctrinated by their liberal professors. Otherwise they would let her speak and see the truth instead of hiding behind their sissy liberal doctrine. (Continued…)
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