It seems SMU has just announced the debate is cancelled. CTV News covered this development on tonight's program. Both March and Taylor stated their interest in rescheduling. Taylor stated that Halifax didn't want listen to what he says is a logical subject for debate. CBC is also covering the story. At least Dr. March gets his money back.
This is the offical statement from SMU:
"For Immediate Release
March 5, 2007
University statement regarding Dr. Peter March and Jared Taylor
Following a review over the weekend by Saint Mary’s University and its Security Department, the University has withdrawn the use of campus facilities for the proposed debate between Dr. Peter March and Mr. Jared Taylor. The review, conducted in preparation for the event, included consideration of new information. The conclusion was that there is a higher level of personal risk and need for increased security than the University has the capacity to provide.
The debate was scheduled to take place Tuesday March 6, 2007 in the Burke Building on the Saint Mary’s campus.
The University is committed to fostering academic freedom and free speech in our diverse society; we also have an obligation to provide a safe environment for members of our campus community and those who visit our campus.
The University will reimburse Dr. March for any related expenses incurred in planning this debate."
I think this is unfortunate, but it is apparent that the situation was becoming increasingly unsafe for all parties involved. Hopefully the debate can be rescheduled.
Monday, March 05, 2007
March vs. Taylor debate cancelled
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4 comments:
Well, the still widows of the evening have sent me whispers of a wimpering hound caught between reality and politics. But nowhere in between.
I hope they reschedule promptly and effectively. I'm awaiting it.
-AA
Peye.S. Mwah.
It's a pity because failing to debate this just plays into Taylor's hands - Universities are supposed to foster debate and discussion and learning - running from a hard issue just seems cowardly, and gives Taylor far too much credit.
I took a philosophy course with P.March several years ago, and there he once, explicitly, said if you wanna be famous, make a controversial statement (I don't know if this is something he would say outside the classroom!). Though, he was on the "good" side this time, to me it seems more like he is after controversy than anything else.
Hey Lauren (it's Jill's friend Ben) I came across your blog while I was following up on all this. Sent a e-mail to Saint Marys expressing my opinion about 2 weeks ago and still haven't heard anything back yet. I was wondering if you ever found the radio recording or know anything about the video they made. I did find the Toronto radio recording here http://www.640toronto.com/john_oakley/john_oakley_audio.cfm?rem=66389&jor=66389#video
but it's a terrible "debate."
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