Pacifica Forum speaker not swayed by protesters
EUGENE, Ore. -- University of Oregon students protested peacefully in front of Agate Hall Friday evening before the latest Pacifica Forum meeting.
The speech, given by Valdas Anelauskas was entitled "Welcome Back to the USSR." Anelauskas spoke about experiencing Communism while growing up in Russia and claimed the United States operates like a Communist nation. His reasoning stems from the "political correctness" he says is drummed into citizens' minds. Anelauskas says white males are viewed as "oppressors" and everyone else is allowed to regard themselves as "victims." He became passionate during the speech, yelling over protesters and refusing to answer any questions.
During the hour long talk, students held signs, shouted "Shame!" and stood with their backs toward the speaker. One man was asked to leave by university police because he was allegedly threatening some of the female protesters who were stomping their feet.
A U of O alumnus that wants to remain anonymous said "I really think this is a violation of student's free speech because students are not able to come out and say I'm queer or I'm a person of color and I'm proud of my heritage or I'm a woman and I'm not a doormat. They're not able to do that and be safe."
10 female student protesters walked to the front of the room at one point during the address to stand in front of the speaker. They left after officers approached them. They later told KVAL News they were protesting Anelauskas' "tolerance of rape." KVAL News asked him about reports that he once said a female author who is outspoken against pornography was "too ugly to rape."
Anelauskas said "I offered my sincere apology to that woman who felt offended by my not-so-good joke I would say." He ended his speech by saying he hates Communism and appreciates the right to free speech.
