UCO plans free speech event with controversial speaker

EDMOND — Answers in Genesis founder Ken Ham will speak at a local university after all, The Oklahoman has learned. Thursday, in his daily e-letter sent to university faculty and staff, University of Central Oklahoma President Don Betz said he has invited Ham to make his presentation about creationism on campus on March 5, the date Ham was originally supposed to visit the campus before his invitation to speak there was rescinded.

Betz said the university also will present a session on the First Amendment and free speech, as well as a session on the process of scientific inquiry and evolution.

Controversy recently erupted when the president of the university’s student association withdrew an invitation for Ham to speak, citing pressure from gay rights advocates on campus. UCO Student Association President Stockton Duvall said gay rights advocates objected to Ham’s stance against gay marriage. However, Rachel Watson, president of the Student Alliance for Equality, said members of her group did not participate in any discussions regarding Ham and the group is committed to upholding and safeguarding free speech.

In his letter on Thursday, Betz said UCO will conduct a presentation on the First Amendment on the morning of Ham’s presentation on March 5. The First Amendment session will be at 10 a.m. and Ham will speak at 3 p.m.

Betz said UCO will present a discussion on the contemporary

processes of scientific inquiry and evolution on March 6, along with a panel discussion on freedom of expression and freedom of speech “as appropriate to UCO as a teaching and learning institution.

“This will include representatives invited from our campus communities who will share their perspective,” Betz said in his letter.

Ham said he was pleased to receive Betz’s invitation. Georgia Purdom, Ph.D., from Ham’s Answers in Genesis, will join him in his presentation.

“I’m thrilled my talk at UCO is back on again. UCO officials have definitely heard from many concerned state legislators, several local residents, and alumni,” Ham said in a news release.

Ham also will speak at Fairview Baptist Church in Edmond later on March 5. The Rev. Paul Blair, Fairview’s pastor, had invited Ham to speak at the church after the initial invitation from UCO was withdrawn.

U.S. Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City, weighed in on the matter Thursday.

“It is important that our society and institutions of higher learning maintain tolerance and respect for diverse views. Unfortunately, in college campuses across America, free speech is not fully valued and all voices are not always heard on various issues,” Lankford said in a prepared statement.

“I support President Betz and the University of Central Oklahoma for providing an opportunity for the free debate of ideas in a place where it should be encouraged.”