Minister Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam, is scheduled to speak on the campus of Alabama A&M University on April 10. He was invited to campus by a student group, the Alabama A&M Democrats. The invitation has been controversial with many constituencies in Alabama.
Alabama A&M University President Andrew Hugine issued a statement, which read in part, “As President of Alabama A&M University, I want to state emphatically, that this administration did not extend an invitation to Minister Louis Farrakhan. The invitation was extended by student organizations on the campus consistent with university policy and procedures. Other than the provision of these facilities, the University is not sponsoring or funding this event in any way. The views which may be expressed during this upcoming event do not reflect or embody the views of Alabama A&M University.”
President Hugine continued, “There are occasions when there exists an inevitable clash of ideals, opinions and beliefs and, in such instances, we believe we must be guided by the common principle which we all hold dear – the freedom of expression.”
The president sounds like one of the new Toms. What would he have done if he had been president of a HBCU in the sixties. Perhaps he would have had a heart attack and died like Bluford.
Yes, ‘the freedom of expression’ must be allowed, then the ideas of Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam can be examined, otherwise folks will operate on what they don’t know about him and his ideas. The truth is worth investigating.
Seems like a pretty harsh judgement of President Hugine given the need to acknowledge all sides of a discussion and provide clarity of purpose and outcome. Bottom line; Minister Farrakhan speaks and student wishes are honored and respected.
Why are some so afraid of Brother Minister? College students have a right to hear from speakers of their own choice. I only hope it’s a live stream.