Following UChicago’s Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures’ (ISAC) cancellation of the Thinker’s fireside chat with conservative influencers Tim Pool and Jack Posobiec due to administrators alleging the event was “controversial” and thereby required infeasible security arrangements, the University issued an official statement apologizing to event organizers and confirming the event will proceed:
“The October 9 event is going forward as scheduled; the University has worked with the student organizers to ensure that it will proceed.
Staff at the event venue incorrectly cited possible security concerns as a potential obstacle to hosting the event. The University has extensive support systems to ensure that all kinds of events can proceed successfully. Once senior leaders at the University became aware of the issue, it was immediately corrected and the University apologized to the event organizers. In addition, University leadership is taking steps to ensure that room scheduling across the University is consistent with our values.
As part of our unwavering commitment to free expression, the University of Chicago is deeply committed to the ability of Recognized Student Organizations to invite speakers of their choice and to upholding the ability of speakers to express a wide range of views. The University works carefully to apply these principles consistently and acts promptly to improve when any part of the University falls short.”
The reversal of ISAC’s cancellation of the Thinker’s Tim Pool Event came after Thinker organizers escalated concerns of their free expression abilities on campus to University leadership and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). The event, featuring Tim Pool and Jack Posobiec, is now scheduled for Friday, October 9, at 4pm in Breasted Hall.
Register here.
Why would security be a concern when 97% of political donations made by UChicago faculty and employees between 2015 and 2023 went to Democratic candidates and progressive PACs, compared to roughly 3% to Republican? Aren’t the students and professors loving and tolerant? You would think a learned institution such as UChicago would attract, hire, and produce upstanding, reasonable, non-violent, non-hateful members of a peaceful society. This does not appear to be the case.