2008 Woodie Awards
BSU threatens students, may fire Assistant Director for approving flyer
BSU College Republicans
Issue date: 3/28/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
BOISE, Idaho - Claiming that a flyer posted by a student group is "insulting" and "offensive," BSU President Bob Kustra threatened action against the BSU College Republicans (BSUCR) through the student judicial process, and may have terminated the Assistant Director of Student Activities who approved the flyer for posting on campus.
"I can assure the campus community that steps have been taken to ensure accountability in the approval process for any future event advertisements," Kustra told the BSU student newspaper.
Assistant Director of Student Activities Michael Esposito was in charge of that approval process until he approved the BSUCR flyer last week. Dr. Michael Laliberte, Vice-President of Student Affairs, told BSUCR that Esposito is taking personal time off, but University officials, who declined to be named, insist that he was forced to leave and say his contract will not be renewed. Esposito has not been at work or available for comment since meeting with Kustra and Laliberte on Monday, March 19.
"It's deplorable that the administration would fire an employee for doing their job and refusing to censor student advertisements because of political content," said Lindsay Christensen-Stoker, BSUCR member. "Haven't they heard of the First Amendment?"
The allegedly offensive material on the flyer advertised a "food-stamp drawing" using "False ID documents" at an upcoming speaking event featuring Robert Vasquez, a well-known opponent of illegal immigration.
In a news release dated March 19, BSU spokesman Frank Zang stated BSUCR would be "subject to our student judicial process," called the flyer "unacceptable and inappropriate in any context," and said the university would make an "example" out of the situation. Zang also told Boise News Channel 7 that BSU was taking steps "to make sure this does not happen again."
"It's an intellectual inquisition," said Jonathan Sawmiller, BSUCR President. "The University is absolutely intolerant of diverse views, and they're trying to silence our political opinions with threats and intimidation. President Kustra's remarks and actions are extremely offensive and disrespectful towards those who oppose illegal immigration."
Despite the threat of judicial action, the event will continue and flyers remain posted on campus.
"We're not going to stop advertising our event just because the BSU administration has no respect for alternative views or freedom of speech," said Sawmiller. More information and copies of the flyer are available at www.bsurepublicans.com.
"I can assure the campus community that steps have been taken to ensure accountability in the approval process for any future event advertisements," Kustra told the BSU student newspaper.
Assistant Director of Student Activities Michael Esposito was in charge of that approval process until he approved the BSUCR flyer last week. Dr. Michael Laliberte, Vice-President of Student Affairs, told BSUCR that Esposito is taking personal time off, but University officials, who declined to be named, insist that he was forced to leave and say his contract will not be renewed. Esposito has not been at work or available for comment since meeting with Kustra and Laliberte on Monday, March 19.
"It's deplorable that the administration would fire an employee for doing their job and refusing to censor student advertisements because of political content," said Lindsay Christensen-Stoker, BSUCR member. "Haven't they heard of the First Amendment?"
The allegedly offensive material on the flyer advertised a "food-stamp drawing" using "False ID documents" at an upcoming speaking event featuring Robert Vasquez, a well-known opponent of illegal immigration.
In a news release dated March 19, BSU spokesman Frank Zang stated BSUCR would be "subject to our student judicial process," called the flyer "unacceptable and inappropriate in any context," and said the university would make an "example" out of the situation. Zang also told Boise News Channel 7 that BSU was taking steps "to make sure this does not happen again."
"It's an intellectual inquisition," said Jonathan Sawmiller, BSUCR President. "The University is absolutely intolerant of diverse views, and they're trying to silence our political opinions with threats and intimidation. President Kustra's remarks and actions are extremely offensive and disrespectful towards those who oppose illegal immigration."
Despite the threat of judicial action, the event will continue and flyers remain posted on campus.
"We're not going to stop advertising our event just because the BSU administration has no respect for alternative views or freedom of speech," said Sawmiller. More information and copies of the flyer are available at www.bsurepublicans.com.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
L Alexander
posted 3/27/07 @ 4:20 PM MST
If the BSU College Republicans had nothing better to put on their flyers than "food-stamp drawing" using "False ID documents", then shame on them. Those who resort to name-calling and innuendo to draw crowds only show their meager intelligence at the most, and lack of usable English language at the least. (Continued…)
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