UB statement and related info regarding Ben Shapiro’s visit

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Young Americans for Freedom student chapter at the University at Buffalo applied to the Young America’s Foundation for an opportunity to host Ben Shapiro as part of his 2018-2019 campus tour. UB is one of six universities selected to host Shapiro this fall. He will appear on campus Monday, Oct. 8. A majority of the event’s cost is being financed through the Young America’s Foundation.

Exploring diverse points of view and engaging in open discussion are core principles upheld at UB. Student government-sponsored clubs have the ability to invite speakers of their choosing to the university and must follow university guidelines and state laws concerning the exhibition and management of public events on campus.

UB does not take a position on the views expressed by those who visit its campus. As a public university, it is a fundamental value of UB that all members of the campus community and invited guests have a right to peacefully express their views and opinions, regardless of whether others may disagree with those expressions. More about freedom of expression at UB can be found here: http://www.buffalo.edu/free-expression.

University Police typically have a presence at on-campus public events to help ensure the safety of speakers and attendees.

FAQs

Who is sponsoring this event?

The UB student chapter of the Young Americans for Freedom applied to the Young America’s Foundation for an opportunity to host Ben Shapiro as part of his 2018-2019 campus tour. The UB student chapter is one of six student chapters nationwide selected to host Shapiro this fall. A majority of the event’s cost is being financed through the Young America’s Foundation.

How is the UB Student Association involved in this event?

The UB Young Americans for Freedom chapter has permanent club status as part of UB’s Student Association.

How many clubs does the UB Student Association sponsor?

UB’s Student Association is made up of more than 130 clubs. Student Association-sponsored clubs are permitted to use university space for their events and activities.  Student Association sponsorship of clubs does not imply its endorsement of a club’s events or activities.

How is the UB Student Association funded?

UB Student Association funds are collected through an activity fee paid each semester by each student at UB. The fee provides support for student organization programs and activities. Taxpayer dollars are not used to fund the Student Association.

Does the appearance of speakers at UB imply the university’s endorsement of speakers and their viewpoints/opinions?

The university does not take a position on the views expressed by those who visit its campus. However, the university requires all groups using campus space to abide by university guidelines and state laws concerning the exhibition and management of public events.

As a public university, it is a fundamental value of UB that all members of the campus community and their invited guests have a right to peacefully express their views and opinions, regardless of whether others may disagree with those expressions. This includes the right of protesters to oppose the views or opinions of others, but not in such a way as to limit or prevent the speaker's freedom of expression or interfere with university operations.

Ideologies espousing discrimination, hatred or exclusion run counter to the principles of mutual respect, diversity and inclusion upheld at UB as core values of our community. We are committed to upholding these values at all times.

More information is available at http://www.buffalo.edu/free-expression.

How does the university address safety concerns at public events?

University Police typically have a presence at on-campus public events to help ensure the safety of speakers and attendees.

Cases of disruptive behavior at UB events are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. A person has a general right to express a point of view, but not in a way that denies others’ freedom of speech. The university’s response to individuals disrupting or preventing the freedom of others to express their views will be influenced by the circumstances of the particular event. It may include removal from an event when appropriate.