Terrorist William Ayers to Speak At Florida State University

How cool is this - a known terrorist is awarded a special place audience at the University of Florida to lecture students on education. My question is will he have his flags with him and will he wear his brown shirt with the his traditional arm bands?

Many Oppose William Ayers' Upcoming Visit to FSU

Posted: 7:42 PM Dec 9, 2008
Last Updated: 7:42 PM Dec 9, 2008
Reporter: John Rogers
Email Address: john.rogers@wctv.tv


In the 1970s, William Ayers co-founded Weather Underground, a group
responsible for placing bombs in the Pentagon and the US Capitol.

The Chicago-Sun Times reports that charges were later dropped, and today
Ayers is an expert on education reform.

John Marvel, Co-Director of FSU's Institute for Liberal Studies says,
"He was awarded Chicago's Citizen of the Year 1997 for his work with the
Chicago Public Schools."

FSU's Institute for Liberal Studies invited Ayers to speak about
inequality in education, but this is being met with controversy.

On the Internet, many are opposing his visit.

More than 30 people have signed a petition on a blog to keep Ayers away.

"There has been a little protest but that's from a very small vocal
minority," Marvel says.

Most students want people to keep an open mind.

FSU Freshman Faith Doyle says, "I feel like having William Ayers here
will just be really good for discussion."

"We talk about the first amendment, we talk about freedom of speech,"
says FSU Senior Eddy Bouza.

FSU Freshman Chase Bentley says, "I don't support his beliefs but if you
don't want to hear him talk then you shouldn't come to FSU and listen to
him."

The institute for liberal studies paid $5,000 for his visit.

Officials say the money came from the student government, and the
university administration had nothing to do with the decision.

Organizers will not allow signs at the event, and if anyone boos,
they'll be escorted out.

Ayers will speak in the University Ballroom on January 12th at 7:30 p.m.



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