Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Sunday, December 15, 2024 75° Today's Paper


Top News

UConn changes speaker rules after conservative speech ruckus

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Lucian Wintrich, White House correspondent for the right-wing blog Gateway Pundit, speaks at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Conn. The conservative commentator was arrested and charged with breach of peace after an altercation during his speech titled “It’s OK To Be White.”

STORRS, Conn. >> The University of Connecticut has issued new guidelines for speakers and campus events after an altercation at a speech by a conservative commentator titled “It’s OK To Be White.”

UConn President Susan Herbst said Monday in a campus-wide email that events or other programming will not be allowed if the school determines the individual involved represents a “danger to our community.”

Herbst says speaker Lucian Wintrich had no criminal history, but UConn was “disturbed” to learn that an individual who traveled with him has at least one arrest for a “violent offense.”

A young woman appeared to take paperwork off the lectern during Wintrich’s speech last Tuesday. Cellphone videos showed Wintrich grabbing her. Police charged him with breach of peace.

Wintrich says he had every right to retrieve his property.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.