"Gonzaga cites Christian mission in rejecting Ben Shapiro event"

campusreform.org

"A Washington State college rejected a proposal to host Ben Shapiro, citing the school's Christian mission, as well as the conservative commentator’s tendency to attract 'extremely divisive and hateful speech.'

Gonzaga University’s vice president of student development, Judi Biggs Garbuio, denied the school’s College Republicans chapter’s request to bring Shapiro to campus, citing protests and safety issues, and arguing that such an event would go against Gonzaga’s mission statement.

'Mr. Shapiro’s appearances routinely draw protests that include extremely divisive and hateful speech and behavior, which is offensive to many people, regardless of their age, politics or beliefs,' Biggs Garbuio said in a response to the event request submitted by Gonzaga College Republicans President Olivia Johnston and obtained by Campus Reform.

'Gonzaga University is committed to the human dignity of every individual,' the administrator continued. 'This is the core of our mission based on the teachings of Christ Jesus, and the foundations of the Society of Jesus. We stand in solidarity with vulnerable members of our community who may be targeted for discrimination, ridicule, or harassment by others.'"