Updates to our Terms of Use

We are updating our Terms of Use. Please carefully review the updated Terms before proceeding to our website.

Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Coulter Says Berkeley Speech Is ‘Canceled’ but Implies Visit

Ann Coulter said in an email Wednesday that her speaking event planned for this week at the University of California, Berkeley, is "canceled" but implied she might still travel to the city or campus anyway.

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — Ann Coulter said in an email Wednesday that her speaking event planned for this week at the University of California, Berkeley, is "canceled" but implied she might still travel to the city or campus anyway.

Amid growing concerns of violence on campus whether Coulter turns up or not, the conservative pundit lost the backing of groups that had initially sponsored her appearance.

In an email to The Associated Press, Coulter wrote "Berkeley canceled" when asked to confirm if she would appear at the campus on Thursday.

She added, however, "I have my flights, so I thought I might stroll around the graveyard of the First Amendment."

Coulter was invited by campus Republicans to speak at Berkeley and her speaking fee was to be subsidized by a conservative group called the Young America's Foundation, which pulled its support Tuesday citing concerns of violence.

UC Berkeley officials say they are bracing for possible violence on campus whether Coulter comes to speak or not.

Campus spokesman Dan Mogulof said UC Berkeley officials had not heard directly from Coulter on Wednesday. But he said even if she cancels, some groups that support or oppose her could still turn out on campus.

"We have serious concerns and we're acting accordingly," Mogulof said. "We're taking the steps that our law enforcement officials believe to be necessary in order to provide safety for our students, members of the campus community and the public."

He said police were taking necessary steps to protect the campus, but he declined to elaborate.

Campus Republicans did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday about whether the group was still involved in Coulter's appearance.

Categories / Education, Politics, Regional

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Loading...