Chancellor Memo: Thursday night events – What you need to know

UCCS will have two events Jan. 26, one that is ticketed and student hosted and another university-sponsored event that is open to all faculty, staff and students.

At 6 p.m. in the Upper Lodge as a ticketed event, the College Republicans and Turning Point USA will host social media provocateur and Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos. At 5 p.m., the annual campus appreciation event will take place in Berger Hall. Attendance at the campus appreciation event is open to all faculty, staff and students. No ticket is required.

If you are going to these events, some basic information about them follows.

• Campus Appreciation Event. This event will feature remarks, performances of Leonard Bernstein works by members of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, free food and tee-shirts for the upcoming Basketball Blackout Night. There will also be a specially prepared video where campus community members show their support for campus values. Attendees will have the opportunity to record their own video comments. The event opens at 5 p.m. and will conclude at 8 p.m.
• Milo Yiannopoulos. The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. with doors opening at 5:30. Tickets are required. No more tickets are available. Only those tickets issued through UCCS Theatreworks will be honored. An enhanced security presence will be visible on campus as a result of problems at other campuses where he has visited. Additionally, no weapons, including those permissible with a concealed carry permit, will be allowed at the event. Bags will be checked. Expect airport-type security. Those who do not hold tickets for the event will be directed to parking lot 431 north of the Lodge. If you do not have reason to be on this part of the campus, you are encouraged to stay clear.

The university’s position on Mr. Yiannopoulos’ rhetoric is clear. We do not support his language and believe it contrary to UCCS values.. However, as difficult as it may be, it is important that we uphold his right to free speech. If you have any questions about the university’s position, I direct you to my statement of a few weeks ago at http://www.uccs.edu/chancellor/values-and-priorities/chancellor-statements/milo-yiannopoulos-visit.html

I have the utmost confidence in this campus community to represent our values of civil discourse and respect for others, even when we disagree. Those values will be reinforced at the Campus Appreciation Event. Please join us.

Respectfully,

 

 

Pam Shockley-Zalabak, Chancellor