Arizona State University (ASU) canceled a speech by Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12) a day before she was to speak there on Friday. A spokesperson stated that the organizers had not complied with ASU’s policies for events. Tlaib’s speech was titled “Palestine is an American Issue.”
“Organizers of ASU events using facilities must be properly registered with ASU and must meet all university requirements for crowd management, parking, security, and insurance,” the spokesperson said. “In addition, the events must be produced in a way which minimizes disruption to academic and other activities on campus. The event featuring Congresswoman Tlaib was planned and produced by groups not affiliated with ASU and was organized outside of ASU policies and procedures. Accordingly, that event will not take place today on the ASU Tempe campus.”
According to a flyer advertising her speech, “Students for Justice in Palestine at ASU and other Phoenix area Organizations will be hosting ‘Squad’ member and Democratic Congresswoman from Detroit, MI, Rep. Rashida Talib. She is the ONLY Palestinian-American serving in the U.S. Congress.”
The sponsors included various Palestinian groups, the Council for American Islamic Relations (CAIR) of Arizona, and the Arizona Democratic Party.