University of California Irvine Cancels Meeting On Flag-Banning Resolution Over Threat of Violence
ByThreats of violence forced the University of California - Irvine (UCI) to cancel a meeting that was reportedly being held to address the school's controversial student government flag-banning resolution.
"Earlier today UC Irvine officials received a viable threat of violence associated with the recent controversy over the display of national flags in the lobby of student government offices. The campus is taking this threat seriously," UCI said in a statement. "As a result, the administration decided to cancel tonight's meeting of the student-government Legislative Council. Student government leaders responsible for convening this meeting support this decision."
The school did not disclose the nature of the threat or any further details other than their recognition of its credibility.
The Associated Students at UCI's (ASUCI) Executive Cabinet and Legislative Council confirmed the cancellation in a statement of their own.
According to the Associated Press, six ASUCI Legislative Council members voted against four late last week to pass a resolution that would have all national flags, including the United States', from student government offices at UCI. Days later, the ASUCI Executive Cabinet vetoed R50-70.
It is unclear how the resolution gained support, as the ASUCI's president, the university's chancellor and several students openly opposed it. The bill generated national attention and UCI's police department even investigated threats on campus, the Orange County Register reported. A spokesperson at UCI told the newspaper none were considered credible.
But this one was. It is unclear what Tuesday's meeting specifically entailed, but the subject of discussion was going to be R50-70. The Register noted the ASUCI is unlikely to revisit the resolution at this point. Initially meant to foster "inclusiveness," the fallout from the bill has overshadowed what those who voted it up wanted it to achieve.
CLICK HERE to read the story behind the controversial flag-banning bill.
"The safety of our campus and its students, faculty and staff is and will always be our absolute, utmost concern. There is no gray area when it comes to threats of violence; they will not be tolerated, and we cannot allow our community to be put at risk," UCI Chancellor Howard Gillman said in the school's statement. "Regardless of your opinion on the display of the American flag, we must be united in protecting the people who make this university a premier institution of higher learning. Our campus must be a place for safe and civil discourse. We continue to call on everyone to condemn all harassment and threats of violence."