WASHINGTON — Two student groups are coming together to show “American Sniper” at the University of Maryland after screenings were postponed last week.
The university’s Student Entertainment Events (SEE) group postponed May screenings after a Muslim student group voiced concerns about the film. The decision was met with controversy, as numerous critical comments were posted on SEE’s Facebook page. University of Maryland president Wallace D. Loh also said, in a letter posted online, that the university was “deluged by phone calls and messages from across the country, almost unanimously outraged by the cancellation or postponement.”
The College Republicans and College Democrats announced they will screen “American Sniper” on May 4 at 6 p.m. in the Hoff Theater. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion.
Loh wrote that it was a “teachable moment” for the community.
“I take tremendous pride in the conduct of our students. [Muslim Students Association] members were right to speak up for what they believe in. They deserve our admiration, not the scorn and vitriol they got on Facebook. I also applaud the student leaders of SEE for listening to the concerns of their fellow students. Their decision to reschedule the screening so a constructive dialogue could be held marks the exercise of free speech and a sensitivity to campus values of respect and inclusion,” Loh wrote.
