Sheriff Arpaio. Photo/ Wikipedia
The highly anticipated First Amendment forum at ASU journalism school, featuring the controversial Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, ended abruptly when protesters broke out in song.
The evening started off as expected with three seasoned journalists, Rick Rodriguez, former executive editor of the Sacramento Bee; Susan Green, Director of the Cronkite News Service and veteran Associated Press reporter, Steve Elliot, alternately posing questions to Arpaio.
Initial questions were in regard to Arpaio’s questionable “open door” policies, the media’s accessibility to public records and the sheriff’s decision to not cooperate with the federal investigation into his policies.
When the panel began to probe into the sheriffs’ alleged practice of racial profiling, a number of students broke out in song, a personalized version of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, interrupting the proceedings.
The Dean of the journalism school, Christopher Callahan, attempted numerous times to quiet the “singers” but they only became louder. After several weak appeals for silence were ignored, the three journalists and the sheriff left the stage appearing agitated and angry.
The intent of tonight’s forum was to give students the opportunity to see the First Amendment in action. Unfortunately and perhaps unwittingly what the protesters accomplished was to mock the First Amendment. In their attempt to protest the sheriff they violated his right to speak; and by doing so not only shamed the university but themselves as well.
Watch the interview here.
Comments
I couldn't agree with your last statemant more. This panel was held by professionals who have devoted their careers to good reporting. It was not held to create an outrage it was held to ask Arpaio key free press questions on issues that many of our journalists and government officals are asking. The panel wasn't held to attack Arpaio but to put him on the spot with unbiased FACTS and see how he addressed them. I sincerely hope none of them were fellow Cronkite students.
Perfect song for the inhuman joker Arpaio! three lines from this clasic song takes us back to old phillistine.
"Scaramouch will you do the fandango"
"Bismillah! We will not let you go"
"Beelzebub has the devil put aside for me, for me, for me"
Free speech is for everyone, not just professionals. The students were exercising their rights just as the douchebag on the stage was.
The columnist is obviously one of those "freedom for me" types that wouldn't know a first amendment right being exercised if it broke out into song - obviously.
"The students were exercising their rights just as the douchebag on the stage was."
You lose every arguement you have don't you. He exercised his rights to free speech huh? So what was his answer to the question asked right before the singing? Ohhh Donna.......Ohh Donnaavvvvaaaannnn!!! When society breaks down, I'll enjoy murdering you.
I like the afro-centric phrase, Freedom of speech is Freedom of Consequences. Basically, Minorities like me and my boyfriend, we grew up fighting and won't think twice about causing you physical harm over your free speech rights. Donovan, if your reading this, lets rewind that old VHS copy of BeBe's Kids and watch that tonight while eating pickled pigs feet.
Way to present the facts, commentors. /sarcasm
I don't agree that the students shamed themselves - they simply fed the sheriff the same dose of medicine that he gives out! Why should he have the right to defend his policies when the proper venue for him to do that (a federal investigation) was rebuffed by him? Way to go ASU!
The morons who protested Arpaio are the same ignorant so-called
Mexican students of the "WALTER CRONKITE SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM"
What a shame for ASU.
I have stopped donating to my Alma Mater because of the ridicule
those students cause every time they interview someone who differs with their communist views. They worship Che Guevara not knowing what he represents.
I refuse to allow them to interview me when they are around at
different events. ASU needs to go back to true journalism, not
babysitting low achievers who came as illegal aliens or with their illegal aliens parents. Those are the people who are in
the school of journalism -just playing the game of reporters to
write their warped, illogical points of view about America and
its people. Throw the traitors out!
These are mere traitors along with the white un-developed ultra socialist kids..yes, kids, they don't act like adults either. Shame, shame,shame on ASU and their Liberal professors.
Stop supporting
WOW - how ridiculous in this day and age . that sheriff is a modern day american HERO . he looks out for americans . well college kids dont reallt understand anything anyways. and yes i was one just 6 years ago. 99.999999% of college kids dont have a clue because they are not in the real world. i agree kick all non americans out of our greaT COUNTRY
Just got to thinking Young WantaBEE Journalists ? MY MY MY some more of AMERICAS FINE COLLEGE PEOPLE ? Setting a fine example for YOUNGER PEOPLE AND SOME OF THEIR OUTSTANDING PARENTS MAKEING NASTY GESTURES AT PEOPLE ALONG WITH THEIR YOUNGER CHILDREN?? IS THIS THE FAMILY VALUES AND GOOD EXAMPLES IN THEIR CULTURE?LOOKS LIKE WERE GOING BACK IN TIME 100 YEARS YES NO MAYBE??
Arpio is under Federal Investigation for various, serious crimes.
He is certainly no "Role Model", and has no buisiness any where near students of any type.
He doesn't want to open his books to Investigators for many reasons, Tortures,possible murders, and rapes of persons in custody, Racial Profiling, possible theft of confiscated items, miss use of funds,Ect. Ect.
They may even find out how he has become wealthy Far beyound his means?
To: Justice for All.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!