Saint Louis U student shares insight on cancelled Horowitz event.

CampusLIE had the opportunity to speak with Saint Louis University College Republican vice chairman, Danny Laub. Laub was one of the key organizers behind the David Horowitz event that was recently denied by Dean Scott Smith. Here are a few questions we had for Danny and his insight on this violation of the ideals that should construct an educational environment: free expression and a free marketplace of ideas that present all sides of the issues.

"CampusLIE: It's known that Dean of Students, Scot Smith, denied the proposal to host David Horowitz. Could you explain the procedure that allows, Smith, to arbitrarily decide who can and cannot speak at the university?

Laub: We are at a private university and a university known for silencing opinions which are either unpopular or for some reason slightly controversial. All speakers must be approved by the administration which would allow them to filter some out.

CampusLIE: What do you see being problematic about the ability for speakers being denied based on their views and perspectives?

Laub: You create a climate of silencing the marketplace of ideas. The university should support opposing viewpoints because that stimulates intellectual thought, not silencing viewpoints and hoping they go away. I fully support speakers I disagree with coming to campus, because I know that I can stand up for my beliefs and challenge them on an intellectual level.

CampusLIE:Do you know of other speakers that have been denied from either the right or left?

Laub:Yes, on both sides, I don't have tons of details but both have happened - which is very unfortunate.

CampusLIE: Have other inflammatory speakers been allowed on campus, if so, what did they speak about?

Laub: Well, Norman Finkelstein has spoken here and the Vagina Monologues are presented each year, both of which aren't really in line with the university mission. Feminist Rebecca Walker and pundit Paul Begala have also been welcomed on campus. There are many more examples also.

CampusLIE: Do you have any ways of challenging this decision, or do you plan to challenge the policy that denies a true free marketplace of ideas?

Laub: We plan to challenge this on all levels, we think that people on all sides of the political aisle can get behind challenging this. There has to be a way where Catholic universities can maintain their religious beliefs and identity without silencing various viewpoints."

Danny conlcuded with, "This issue has been truly disheartening. I don't understand how a university can claim to hold their Jesuit, Catholic ideals so closely and forbid someone like David Horowitz, a life long civil rights activist and peace activist from speaking."

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