By Jack Stripling, staff writer, The Gainesville Sun
December 11, 2007

Under pressure from student groups and state political figures, University of Florida officials are working to “clarify” a November e-mail that condemned fliers placed on campus that Muslims found offensive.

The fliers, which read “Radical Islam Wants You Dead,” were used to promote a film being played on campus. When a UF administrator called on the groups that posted the fliers to apologize, she was met with condemnation from free speech advocates and, more recently, U.S. Attorney General Bill McCollum.

The response prompted Patricia Telles-Irvin, UF’s vice president for student affairs, to issue a statement last week meant to “clarify” there was no intention to squelch free speech on campus.

In her e-mail sent to UF students, Telles-Irvin said UF had no intention of disciplining the students involved, adding that she supported students’ rights to “freely express themselves on any issue.” She went further, proclaiming that UF officials condemn terrorists, Islamic or otherwise.

“The university condemns terrorists acts and those who perpetuate them, regardless of who they are,” Telles-Irvin wrote. “And we clearly recognize there are people who use Islam to support violence.”

McCollum and Rep. Adam Hasner, the Delray Beach Republican majority leader, have both issued letters to UF expressing concern that free speech was stifled, UF officials confirmed Tuesday.

Jack Stripling can be reached at 352-374-5064 or striplj@gvillesun.com.

Copyright © 2007, The Gainesville Sun