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Memo on Ayers: Threats warned of violence, protests

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By MELISSA LEE / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Oct 22, 2008 - 07:04:07 pm CDT

Callers fuming over the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s plans to host 1960s and ’70s radical William Ayers as a speaker next month warned there would be “hell to pay” if he wasn’t disinvited, according to a memo prepared by a campus threat assessment expert.

The university released the three-page memo from psychology associate professor Mario Scalora on Wednesday. The memo shows callers, e-mailers and bloggers threatened to disrupt Ayers’ speech, stage protests or harm — and even kill — Ayers if he came to Lincoln.

“I hate violence, but I think that any directed at Ayers would be well deserved,” one blogger wrote.

Story Photo
William Ayers (AP file)

Related Link(s):


10.16.08: NU president, regents call Ayers invite 'poor judgment'

“I wonder what kind of flag (Ayers) wants on his coffin,” wrote another.

And several callers said Ayers deserved to be treated as a terrorist, not an American citizen.

Overall, the university received more than 1,000 e-mails and phone calls protesting the visit.

Given such an overwhelming and intense public reaction, Scalora wrote, UNL faced “significant concerns regarding security” if Ayers’ Nov. 15 keynote speech at the College of Education and Human Sciences student research conference was to go on as planned.

“We can be assured that we will have groups and frustrated individuals who will attempt to disrupt the event and attempt to be provocative toward Ayers and others in attendance,” Scalora’s memo read.

He sent versions of the memo to UNL Police Chief Owen Yardley and Chancellor Harvey Perlman on Thursday, the same day UNL announced Ayers’ planned visit.

By Thursday night, Perlman — who was wrapping up a two-week trip in China — had decided to cancel the Ayers speech.

UNL waited until Friday evening to announce the cancellation because officials first had to reach Ayers, who was in Taiwan.

By then, public condemnations of the invitation had poured in from Gov. Dave Heineman, Attorney General Jon Bruning, congressional leaders and others, leading some UNL faculty to wonder whether Perlman had caved to political pressure.

Perlman has said his decision was security-related.

It’s a decision Scalora said he supports, though he said in an interview Perlman was caught in “a difficult and unenviable position.”

“This has been a very challenging and messy time for all of us,” Scalora said.

Ayers, an education professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, had been selected by a UNL faculty committee in February to speak at the student research conference, which comes during a two-day celebration of the education college’s 100th anniversary.

Ayers, who has authored numerous scholarly articles and books, was chosen for his expertise in topics like social justice and urban educational reform.

Faculty couldn’t have predicted in February, Perlman has said, that Ayers was about to become such a controversial figure in the presidential campaign.

Ayers was a founder of Weather Underground, the group that claimed responsibility for the bombings of public buildings in protest of the Vietnam War. Years later, he and Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama served together on the board of an anti-poverty nonprofit in Chicago.

Ayers’ speech at UNL, scheduled at the Teachers College, was to have been open to faculty and students only.

But given the widespread public furor over his invitation, Scalora’s memo said, if UNL wanted to stick with Ayers, it would need to change the venue, coordinate with local and state law enforcement and beef up security personnel during the event.

All that would have been difficult to do in less than a month’s time, Scalora said Wednesday.

“Do we go to Cops ’R Us to get all that?” he said. “In a short time, you can’t pull together a large number of security resources.”

In fact, he said, UNL’s threat assessment team continues to evaluate whether security may still be needed during the education college’s centennial celebration, as protesters may show up because Ayers was invited at all.

“We just don’t know,” Scalora said. “We’ll have a better sense as we get closer.”

Reach Melissa Lee at 473-2682 or mlee@journalstar.com.


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Outside the Box wrote on October 22, 2008 6:07 pm:
" Quick show of hands - how many people under the age of 45 knew who William Ayers was prior to this year's election? I'd previously heard of Weather Underground, but wouldn't know Bill Ayers from Bill Nye the Science Guy.

Nobody is condoning his acts from 40 years ago. Nobody. But he apparently has some expertise in education and was invited to speak at a conference for a College of Education. He was not asked to speak about Vietnam, the government, domestic terroism, or politics. But thanks to our close minded populace and outrage over anything considered "anti-american", that won't happen.

Angy mob members, you may now return to Dancing With The Stars and worrying about NU's punter. We'll page you when it's time to get up in arms over something else.

What? Jesus was banned from the Zoo? Get the pitchforks! "

 Proud Liberal wrote on October 22, 2008 6:11 pm:
" This is a sad commentary on the mindset of a few crazy kooks out there. Unreal. "

 rj wrote on October 22, 2008 6:16 pm:
" What happened to all the good christians here in NE? Very childish of those that made threats. Sounds to me like our preachers are failing.
I was raised in this state & didn't know it had so many racial's in it. "

 Justin wrote on October 22, 2008 6:19 pm:
" How deliciously ironic that people would respond to a domestic terrorist speaking at UNL by making terrorist threats. I'm sure the irony is lost on them, however... "

 Freedom of Speech wrote on October 22, 2008 6:39 pm:
" I agree with Outside the Box. I had to look up who he was. Still haven't found all the crap the Weather Underground had done or was accused of doing. I don't condone the actions of the Weather Underground, but this was an EDUCATION event. Imagine what isn't going to be learned by our future teachers that could benefit our children.

If the people who were to benefit his speech wanted him here, then the rest should just butt out, including our political leaders. And how hard was it to find security when the Political Elite came to Omaha for a rally. Give me a break.. Overtime is always welcome near the holidays. "

 Really now wrote on October 22, 2008 6:43 pm:
" Why wouldn't the people that made the threats focus more on today. A current rupublican leader has hurt more families, would you allow him to speak? They ( person's making threats ) need to go back to their attic and put the luggage away. Focus on today. One suggestion would be to focus that energy on a group of people that protest military funerals. That is happening in your current day. I have many more suggestions, but I'm sure you are asleep with those big,ugly blinders on. "

 Saline County wrote on October 22, 2008 6:45 pm:
" I thought Nebraskans were suppose to be the great moralists? Now we learn they are capable of violent threats. You should do more praying and less lecturing. "

 DeliciouslyIronic wrote on October 22, 2008 7:10 pm:
" What some fail to see is that Bill Ayers is not the radical he once was. But who cares! Here we are in La-la-land, where speaking engagements are hostage to political decisions, then excused by letting the current terrorists win. Anyone who advocates violence as a means of making a political point (like those letter-writers are) is a terrorist. Period. "

 Actions of a few wrote on October 22, 2008 7:13 pm:
" Most people I have met here and elsewhere are good people who don't like trouble. It's a shame that a few people have to ruin it for others. Personally I think these people who made these threats should be prosecuted. Better yet, they should go join their comrades at these Sarah Palin rallies across the U.S. right now. Some of these maniacs would sure fit in. "

 David wrote on October 22, 2008 7:43 pm:
" I hope law enforcement officials follow up on the terroristic threats made by those opposing the speaking engagement. If the threats were as serious as thought it would seem to be appropriate. "

 Joe the plumber wrote on October 22, 2008 8:08 pm:
" It should'nt be a surprise to the left when there own radical tactics are used against them. Like the old saying, what goes around comes around. "

 Steve U wrote on October 22, 2008 8:14 pm:
" I wonder how many of the people making these threats realize how hypocritical they are? Kind of like killing in the name of Jesus... "

 Democrat wrote on October 22, 2008 8:36 pm:
" Bill Ayers a educator or indoctrinator? I would not let him speak before any educational group that was before my direction. If those who would like to hear is diatribe, then go to Chicago or hire him on your own dime. "

 other side wrote on October 22, 2008 8:41 pm:
" The fact remains that Ayers is an unrepentant terrorist. By unrepentant he has said that he wishes they would have done more. You guys were calling Bush a terrorist for going to war... this guy was at war with the US and now you are calling for freedom of speech... simply amazing.

I find it ironic that Ayers who was so against government now works for a government institution. Where else can a person who facilitated setting bombs 40 years ago go and be accepted except in academia.

While I am dissapointed with the response of a few people I am glad that the trip was cancelled. "

 natefrog wrote on October 22, 2008 9:13 pm:
" Interesting how none/few of the "concerned, vocal, moral majority" who blasted Ayers are in here justifying the actions of their righteous protesters now. Which just goes to prove that violence begets violence. Makes you wonder what the effects of our actions in the Middle East will be... "

 Thank you wrote on October 22, 2008 9:14 pm:
" Thank you Harvey for doing the right thing. There is no room for this type of a thug at UNL. Maybe he should have stayed over seas where life is so much better than here in America. "

 Curious to Know wrote on October 22, 2008 9:41 pm:
" This is ridiculous that a lecture that was not a requirement for anyone could be so swiftly derailed by such narrow mindedness. I would like to know how much of the correspondence in regard to not having Ayers speak could be considered a terroristic threat today. It's a little gut wrenching to know that some of the people of Nebraska choose to view the narrow picture and not the big picture. "

 Typical LJS Readers wrote on October 22, 2008 9:48 pm:
" All I ever read on the LJS website is people complaining, you people would complain if he came and complain if he didnt. I for one like the decision to not have him speak. I would rather an unrepentant anti-american terrorist not be given a forum to speak from at our universities. Many of you complained when the LJS gave Sandoval prime space to speak his rhetoric, but are now crying freedom of speech? I am of the opinion that these types of criminals shouldn't be given the time of day. Ya ya I know he was never convicted, he got off on a technicality and now can rub it in all our faces that he was a criminal and isnt sorry for any of it and we cant charge him again. "

 Steve wrote on October 22, 2008 10:01 pm:
" So... Shouldn't we be seeing another article in the LJS in a few days about the arrest of those who made the threats against Mr Ayers? Or are the police going to look the other way on this one? "

 WE wrote on October 22, 2008 10:07 pm:
" How are these threats any different than the protests that you are protesting? Threats of violence coming from the security of being a keyboard warrior are weak at best. "

 Galen wrote on October 22, 2008 10:21 pm:
" I knew who he was! Ok....I'll admit....I'm 46..... "

 Kip wrote on October 22, 2008 10:37 pm:
" Scalora doesn't mention if he actually thought the cowards could or would be able to succeed. This appears to be politically elevated by extremists who are neither Islamic or academically sophisticated. Thugs and terrorists who would harm fellow citizens, because the losers find Ayers offensive seem to be the "winners". What is wrong with that scenario? It is unfortunate UNL feels so hapless in providing security. The way this was deslt with is not comforting. "

 casting stones wrote on October 22, 2008 10:50 pm:
" I guess these individuals are all pure as the driven snow, and have no skeletons in their own closets that they can condemn Mr. Ayers and threaten his life without remorse. This is sickening. The University selected him to speak based on academic merits. And seriously, do you think he'd be still be around if the U.S. government felt that he posed even just a remote terrorist threat? He'd already be shipped off to Guantanamo, the victim of waterboarding, and held for years without official charges. Clearly, his years of charity work account for nothing. We may not agree with what he has said or done in his past, but then again, we don't agree with what the KKK says or does either, do we? Do we threaten to kill the KKK? Of course not.

It has become "Anti-America" to express yourself. Freedom of speech has died. And the University of Nebraska killed it. Happy centennial, UNL. "

 Missy wrote on October 22, 2008 10:55 pm:
" Where is support for Bush's preemptive removal of threats that could do harm to our homeland? Those who initiated the threats remain at large...and a threat. "

 Toni wrote on October 22, 2008 11:23 pm:
" Like many readers, I am disappointed 1) the show did not go on with added security, 2) pleas were not made to the public to help identify the person or individuals who need help.

We've seen intolerance infect our university and we've also seen lack of remedy that assures the student body or faculty that they are any more secure.

As a learning experience, we should move ahead and not make the same errors as observed in this incident. "

 James wrote on October 22, 2008 11:34 pm:
" Nobody should send out threats to him but I don't think we really need to paint this guy as a victim and feel sympathetic to him. "

 You reap what you sow wrote on October 23, 2008 12:09 am:
" Ayer's past is coming back to haunt him. I wonder how he feels when the threats of violence are directed at him and an institution at which he had been invited to speak. From what I've read, the charges against him were dropped so he had no price to pay for the reckless acts of his youth. He denied the weathermen were terrorists. I just wonder...does he see the irony? Are these threats of violence against him and UNL any less valid than the violent acts of the weathermen? If so, why? What possibly could excuse that violence but not this? You tell me, what exactly is the difference? "

 Former Contributor wrote on October 23, 2008 12:24 am:
" Bill Ayers was a terrorist before this election started! Why would the University want to bring in such a hater of America? Did they not do their research? An educational institute? Scary! "

 Dee wrote on October 23, 2008 2:17 am:
" wow 1000 angry people called? The census bureau estimates that in 2006 there were 1,768,311 residents of Nebraska. That means the percentage of Nebraska that complained was 0.000565504987471237. I'm fairly sure a greater number protested the KKK rally that was held a while back and yet it went on and not one white supremacist was injured. I'm glad that the university is listening to the majority when making decisions and not basing their choices on a few minority with large wallets or threatening words "

 Ray-J wrote on October 23, 2008 6:46 am:
" We,

Exactly,,it is just fine when the left makes threats of violence but let someone speak out about a radical that TRIED to kill American citizens and oh,,my,,that is sooo wrong, not that it isn't, just be fair about it. "

 MarkyMark wrote on October 23, 2008 7:38 am:
" Not to be outdone by Ayers, our local Nebraska terrorists come out of the woodwork. "

 Ricky Proehletariat wrote on October 23, 2008 7:51 am:
" Remember last year when the defensive coordinator for the football team received death threats? Harvey and UNL didn't just go ahead and cancel the football season. I'm sure that the football team generates a large amount of negative, threatening e-mails and blog postings in a given week. UNL manages to host several home football games every year, and doing so presents significantly greater logistical security challenges than coordinating a controversial speaker.

If the football team is going to require extra security then UNL is more than happy to accomodate but they will not do the same in order to further academic discourse. Last I checked, UNL was supposed to be an educational institution. Personally, I find the university's hypocrisy to be disgusting.

I do realize that the Ayers visit is slightly different because the security would have to be coordinated on much shorter notice. However, as a commenter above noted, other government institutions were able to coordinate security for last-minute visits by Palin and Clinton. This is not a matter of UNL being unable to provide adequate security, this is a matter of UNL simply choosing not to. "

 Hypocrisy wrote on October 23, 2008 8:56 am:
" Give me a break. All of these high-brow, liberal-elite comments saying how ‘unfortunate we are to miss out on Ayres superior scholastic intellect’ makes me ill. Equally sickening are the accusations that anyone who was against this terrorist coming to campus is now somehow a thug or violent protester. How convenient for you to lump one or two actual threats (if indeed there were any) with anyone who has a conservative stance. The hypocrisy of the left never ceases to amaze me. The LEFT has participated in more violent protests than any other, and here they are pointing fingers. The teachers college made a very poor decision in selecting Ayres to speak. It just goes to show you that the egos of higher education are willing to excuse any act as long as they can help forward their socialist world view. Oh, but at least we all get to see that peaceful photo of Ayres again in the Journal Star. "

 Buddha wrote on October 23, 2008 8:59 am:
" I just read somewhere on the internet (I think CNN.com) that about 3,000 college professors across the country have come out in defense of Professor Ayers, and condeming the McCain campaign for their portrayal of Mr. Ayers and his relationship with Mr. Obama. My question to those who were against Mr. Ayers' appearance: Are those 3,000 professors aiding and abetting terrorism because they support Mr. Ayers? A line has to be drawn somewhere folks, and education should not have to suffer! So here's my SCARCASTIC congrats to the terrorists who threatened Mr. Ayers and UNL. "

 Ah yes wrote on October 23, 2008 9:00 am:
" like i've said before we have way more to fear from the terrorists at home. and i suppose these folks also say they love 'freedom'. fascists! "

 Idiot Watcher wrote on October 23, 2008 9:32 am:
" OK, so this guy can't come to UNL because a small core of uneducated buffooons get riled up. Remember that Angela Davis spoke at UNL just a short time ago? She was no less notorious in the 1960s. And how about this: the man I beleive who has done more to poison the political process in America than any other single person, the most acidic,devisive person in the country -- Rush Limbaugh -- has been on the sidelines at two Husker games this year. If we can't invite left-wingers, should we condone the presence of right-wingers?

This whole issue speaks to the importance of quality education, and an important part of education is learning about divergent views. "

 Ignignokt wrote on October 23, 2008 10:54 am:
" Rush Limbaugh's speech, however distasteful you may find it, is protected by the constitution. Add to that the fact that he has never advocated the murder of police officers, nor has he ever bombed any government buildings, or built bombs intended to kill people. "

 Brain Drain wrote on October 23, 2008 11:09 am:
" When political and educational leaders wonder why young intelligent people leave this state, they need to remember this event. A mindless mob of uninformed people threatened violence to prevent a well-respected educator from speaking at the State's university on the topic of education. Mr Ayers had previously spoken in Nebraska without any problem whatsoever. Unfortunately, mob violence prevailed over rational thinking. Young, bright professionals will continue to leave this state as long as groups of violent twits decide what people are allowed to say and hear in this State. "

 JB wrote on October 23, 2008 11:39 am:
" Anybody who made a "threat" should be visited by the FBI. What Ayers did was fourty years ago, what these people did was this week. "

 Gregg wrote on October 23, 2008 11:47 am:
" So basically, the university gave into the demands of domestic terrorists.

sad. "

 Ignignokt wrote on October 23, 2008 1:03 pm:
" JB wrote, "Anybody who made a "threat" should be visited by the FBI. What Ayers did was fourty years ago, what these people did was this week."

Wrong...what Ayers did 40 years ago was to make good on his threats, and carry out actual violence. IF there were threats made against Ayers, then indeed, those people should be investigated and punished accordingly...but they've got a ways to go before they catch up with Ayers. "

 I Love Nebraska wrote on October 23, 2008 1:23 pm:
" Careful Harvey! You were in China while Bill Ayers was in Taiwan. Give it a day or two and conservatives will be saying you were in Asia together at the same time because you are close friends. :) "

 Conrad wrote on October 23, 2008 1:30 pm:
" Goodness, Ayers reformed. Look at policy the governor has had ...even brining in ex cons to the mansion as guards. There is a bit of hypocrisy in the air. "

 Nina wrote on October 23, 2008 4:54 pm:
" Just use the same security resources UNL has for the football games. That oughta work! And a good protest hasn't been seen at UNL in a long while. It might be time. C'mon, Perlman, your explanations are lame to the extreme. If threats were made, they can be followed up on, just as are threats for any controversial figure. With so many supposed threats, we should be seeing a full-fledged story of these perpetrators, and how they were caught, fined or jailed, etc. I expect Reporters 'R Us could get all that in order in a jiff, just as soon as Perlman follows through. I'll be waiting. "

 clint wrote on October 24, 2008 6:37 am:
" I love this, I never heard of ayers, until Mcain started dragging up his name. Yes I'm 46, and never heard of the weather underground heres a news flash don't care who he his. Have more important things to worry about than what some guy did 40 yrs ago. If he did crimes must of went to jail for them otherwise he wouldn't be walking around. People need get a life, I"ll let in on alittle secret if they let him come speak "DON'T GO" Thats why we live in america with that option of to go or not to go. Now onto the the people who want to make all these comments and sign with all these names but your own whats up with that. I find that funny people come in here puff there chest let off steam and sign with some goofy name come on spend all that time typing at least put your signature on it. Cripes this has taken 20 minutes to type not a typist by any means I sure am going to sign it. "

 Sad wrote on October 24, 2008 6:40 am:
" Sad reflection on our state. We have elected officials who take their ques from right wing radio talking heads, throwing out of date concepts like freedom of speech and proportionality out the window. Everyone who felt like they needed to rant about this invitation, should take a long look in the mirror and reflect upon how their actions made the crazy individuals that threatened this man feel comfortable enough to make those terroristic claims. This is the way democracies are lost in the sea of self rightousness. Go Big Red! "

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