University of California President James Milliken has vowed to protect the safety and expression of all speakers on school campuses after CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss was forced to cancel a speaking event at UCLA over security concerns.
“I was disappointed to learn that representatives for journalist Bari Weiss canceled her planned lecture at UCLA due to security concerns. Chancellor Frenk informed me that Ms. Weiss remains interested in speaking at UCLA and they are already working to make sure the event on campus will proceed at a mutually convenient time,” Milliken told The California Post in a statement.
Weiss was scheduled to speak at the annual Daniel Pearl Memorial lecture “The Future of Journalism” on the school’s campus February 27. It was announced Thursday the event was canceled due to “security concerns.”
Reports stated several UCLA staffers had expressed opposition to the speaking engagement, and students were expected to protest the event.
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“Chancellor Frenk and I are in complete agreement on this matter; the University of California will be resolute in protecting free expression on our campuses, and we will take all steps necessary to ensure the safety of speakers, those attending events, and the members of our community,” Milliken added.
“We will do everything we can to make sure speakers are not prevented from speaking on our campuses because some disagree with the content of constitutionally protected speech. That is the essence of the First Amendment and the obligation of universities.”
It’s currently unclear if or when Weiss will reschedule another lecture.