U. Florida prepares for controversial Kevorkian speech
Lia Ganosellis: Independent Florida Alligator (U. Florida)
Issue date: 1/16/08 Section: News
(U-WIRE) - With the protests and stunts of the past few Accent-sponsored speeches fresh in mind, UF officials are readying security for Dr. Jack Kevorkian's speech tonight at the O'Connell Center.
Lt. Stacy Ettel of the University Police Department, who is involved in the event's security, said UPD doesn't expect anything unusual to occur at the controversial appearance.
"We understand our responsibility at the event, and we work it as we would any other event," Ettel said.
Security will include officers inside and outside the venue and metal detectors at the door, which UPD has used many times before, he said.
Kevorkian was originally scheduled to speak at UF on Oct. 11, but his appearance was postponed following the Sept. 17 Tasering incident at a Sen. John Kerry forum.
That wasn't the last UF speech to be disrupted.
Student protesters climbed on stage during former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' speech in November. Ettel said he was sure no one would be able to climb on stage tonight.
Accent, Student Government's speakers bureau, paid Kevorkian $50,000 for his speech.
Lt. Stacy Ettel of the University Police Department, who is involved in the event's security, said UPD doesn't expect anything unusual to occur at the controversial appearance.
"We understand our responsibility at the event, and we work it as we would any other event," Ettel said.
Security will include officers inside and outside the venue and metal detectors at the door, which UPD has used many times before, he said.
Kevorkian was originally scheduled to speak at UF on Oct. 11, but his appearance was postponed following the Sept. 17 Tasering incident at a Sen. John Kerry forum.
That wasn't the last UF speech to be disrupted.
Student protesters climbed on stage during former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' speech in November. Ettel said he was sure no one would be able to climb on stage tonight.
Accent, Student Government's speakers bureau, paid Kevorkian $50,000 for his speech.
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