Letter: Student safety should be first concern with Yiannopoulos visit

Editor,

I am a parent to a current UNM student and I’m concerned about the recent events that took place on January 20th at the University of Washington.

Mr. Yiannopoulos was having a speaking event at their university, there was a protest at his speaking event and a shooting took place at the event. A person was shot at this event and was critically injured; I’m not aware of his/her current condition but I am concerned about what may occur at the speaking event that is taking place Friday at the University of New Mexico.

I understand that there has been much discussion about whether or not this event should take place and I understand there’s already been a decision made, but I would like for you to reconsider this decision in light of this development as it pertains to your University.

I would like to think that the safety of your/our students would come first. The shooting at his recent speaking event at the University of Washington only proves that there is a real danger in him coming here and speaking at your college. It is not just a fictional or what if there is a true and present danger that our students could face.

With his visit so recent to the election this could prove to be volatile. I understand your need to be fair and for all voices to be heard in a discussion that could bring forth a broader understanding of current events in our country. I don’t want to suppress that; if anything now it is very important that we continue to have discussions in a safe environment. I only ask that you reconsider your decision to host the speaking event so close to the election that just took place.

I think the question we should be asking is, “Did we do everything we could to prevent the unthinkable from happening?”

Sincerely,

Michelle McCann

Concerned Parent