Contact: Bo Shuff, Director of Education and Public Policy, 614-325-8855 or bo@equalityohio.org
Columbus, OH - In a surprising twist, groups typically attacked by controversial ultra-conservative Ann Coulter are glad to see her visiting Xavier University in Cincinnati.
That's because they are asking for $5 donations in the hopes of raising money for Xavier student groups who represent the values Coulter vilifies in her speeches and writings. Her speaking fees reportedly range from $20,000 to $30,000. That equals about $5 for every student enrolled at Xavier University.
The groups leading the "counter Coulter" effort range from Xavier student groups to local groups like Equality Cincinnati to statewide organizations like Equality Ohio and ProgressOhio.org. National organizations like People for the American Way and the Human Rights Campaign have also joined in the effort. A full list of co-sponsoring organizations is attached. On September 6th, the groups will be holding a special forum and presenting all the funds raised to date.
"Our goal was to empower student groups on Xavier's campus that seek to expand the conversation beyond divisive rhetoric," said Bo Shuff, Director of Education and Public Policy for Equality Ohio. "We hope the money helps students to promote real dialogue about American values like compassion and civil rights."
Coulter is a conservative columnist, a political commentator, and a best-selling author. Her controversial in-your-face style was described by one newspaper as 'Rush Limbaugh in a miniskirt'. Coulter was recently in the news for insinuating that presidential candidate John Edwards is a 'faggot'.
"Every protest and every heckler she attracts wherever she appears means more publicity for her and bigger speaking fees," said Patrick McNearny, President of the Xavier Gay-Straight Alliance. "We are glad to be able to do something different that is a win for the Xavier community."
"Whenever someone as divisive as Ann Coulter comes to our state, we can't just sit on our hands," said Brian Rothenberg, Executive Director of ProgressOhio. "We can stoop to her level, or we can take the opportunity to promote important values like diversity, compassion, and equality. We chose the latter."
To take part in this effort click here: https://secure.ga4.org/01/thanksann
Co-Sponsors to Date: Equality Ohio, Human Rights Campaign, Progress Ohio, Equality Cincinnati, People for the American Way, Democracy for Cincinnati, National Organization for Women - Cincinnati
