(NEW YORK) — In a reversal, NYU Law has reportedly agreed to work with its Federalist Society chapter to host an event with Ilya Shapiro on October 7. As reported last week, NYU Law had refused to grant approval for the event due to concerns about security and potential protests related to the anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel in 2023.
In response, Kristen Shahverdian, PEN America’s Program Director for Campus Free Speech said:
“The Federalist Society should not have had their event refused over protest concerns in the first place. It is understandable for administrators to be sensitive to this anniversary, and apprehensive about the potential for violence. But security concerns should never serve as pretext for canceling controversial speakers. When it comes to how they greenlight events, especially from their student clubs, universities shouldn’t be giving into imaginary hecklers. The episode reveals that universities can work to accommodate free speech when they try. NYU Law has done the right thing here.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Malka Margolies, [email protected], 929-383-1856