Update 4/26/17: This article has been updated to reflect additional information from campus spokesperson Dan Mogulof.
The Young America’s Foundation has pulled its involvement from conservative author Ann Coulter’s upcoming speech on campus, citing a “lack of assurances for protections from foreseeable violence,” according to a statement released by YAF on Tuesday.
YAF’s withdrawal of its involvement from the event comes two days before Coulter plans to speak on campus despite security concerns raised by UCPD. Coulter may still speak Thursday, but YAF stated in the release that it would not risk the safety of its staff or students for the event.
“Anything that (Coulter) does on Thursday at UC Berkeley she’s paying for,” said Pranav Jandhyala, founder and co-president of BridgeUSA.
YAF also alleged that UCPD has a “stand-down” policy for any situation that develops on campus that does not involve an imminent loss of life, which could put people attending the event at risk, according to the statement.
Campus spokesperson Dan Mogulof wrote in an email this allegation was “categorically false” and that UCPD has never been had a “blanket policy” for responding to incidents.
“(I) categorically deny and reject that there is some sort of policy that in a blanket way precludes UC officers from enforcing the law,” Mogulof said. “Those that believe that show a deep disregard for the truth, and an ignorance for what campus policing is all about.”
Despite pulling support, YAF is continuing to pursue the lawsuit it filed Monday with Berkeley College Republicans against several University of California and UC Berkeley administrators. YAF alleges that campus administrators did not meet its demands after negotiating event logistics and desired safety precautions with them for six weeks, according to the statement.
Last week, the campus proposed rescheduling the Coulter event because of safety concerns and ultimately moved back its invitation of Coulter from April 27 to May 2. Chancellor Nicholas Dirks previously said in a press conference about the event that he fully supports the right of students to host the speakers of their choice.
“When Young America’s Foundation confirmed Ann Coulter would speak at UC-Berkeley … we assumed UC Berkeley would take all steps necessary to ensure the safety of students attending the educational event,” YAF said in its statement. “Berkeley should be ashamed for creating this hostile atmosphere.”