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The Daily Wire’s Editor-in-Chief Ben Shapiro needed to enter and exit the university lecture hall in which he delivered his “When Diversity Becomes A Problem” speech at the invitation of Young America’s Foundation through a rear door. Upon leaving, he was escorted by security and campus police.
Why?
Because leftist agitators – urged on by leftist professors- blocked the main entrance to the hall. Students and others wishing to attend were mostly forced to enter the hall through side and back doors.
California State University’s President William A. Covino initially attempted to cancel the event, but abdicated when threats of a lawsuit against him on the grounds of illegal restrictions in violation of the First Amendment were brought forward.
The initial statement from Covino declared, “After careful consideration, I have decided that it will be best for our campus community if we reschedule Ben Shapiro’s appearance for a later date, so that we can arrange for him to appear as part of a group of speakers with differing viewpoints on diversity. We will be happy to work with Mr. Shapiro to schedule the more inclusive event that I have in mind.”
No such rescheduling in the interests of “diversity” was applied when neo-Marxists such as Cornel West, Tim Wise, or Angela Davis were invited for speeches.
Attempting to save face following his surrender from an untenable position, Covino’s latest statement wrote, “My decision was made in the interest of safety and security. I am disappointed that Mr. Shapiro has not accepted my invitation to speak in such a forum. He has indicated that he will come to Cal State LA to speak today at the University-Student Union Theatre, where he was originally scheduled to deliver his talk. I strongly disagree with Mr. Shapiro’s views. But if Mr. Shapiro does appear, the University will allow him to speak. We will make every effort to ensure a climate of safety and security.”
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