Thread by @christopherrufo

Behind-the-scenes: the provost and president of New College attempted to shut down our conversation with faculty and students, citing a threat against Trustee Eddie Speir. But Speir and I insisted that we continue with the program—and establish a new standard for open discourse.

These are the threats received by the New College communications team, released to the public for the first time here.

"SEE YOU ON WEDNESDAY ASSHOLE, MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE A FLAK JACKET ON, YOU MOTHERFUCKIN MORON!"

We cannot allow those who threaten violence to shut down the democratic governance of our public institutions. We need to have the courage to stand up for open discourse. I appreciate all of the faculty, students, and staff who attended these conversations. Lots of common ground.

I've asked law enforcement to investigate the person calling himself "Jim Conefry." I hope that we can find out who sent the threat and that law enforcement takes all appropriate action. Shutting down the democratic process with threats of violence cannot be tolerated.

Lastly, I want to thank New College Police, Sarasota Police Department, and Sarasota County Sheriff's Office for protecting us during the event. They mobilized dozens of officers, including SWAT, and provided excellent security. They are the guardians of free speech!

FYI: Provost Sherman, featured in the video, failed to uphold the basic standards of university governance and free speech. After Trustee Speir and I decided to proceed, she secretly sent a campus-wide email attempting to cancel the event again. She will be held accountable.

I'm learning that much of the problem with our universities is weak leadership. Administrators do not have the courage to stand up to left-wing activists who mobilize grievance narratives and threaten violence.

That stops now. We are establishing a new standard in Florida.

Here's my opening speech to faculty:

UPDATE: