Matt Hale at Northwestern

Case Type:

 Actual

Exigence:

 In fall of 1999, copies of a pamphlet called "Facts that the Government and the Media Don't Want You to Know" from the "World Church of the Creator" were found around campus at Northwestern University. University officials later revealed that Matt Hale, leader of the WCOTC, had requested that the WCOTC be recognized as an official student religious group. Then in January, 2000, Matt Hale came near campus, and a scuffle ensued.

(For a fuller discussion of the hypothetical debate cases based on this situation, see this page.)

Audience:

 University Pres. Bienen, who has to make the decision about how, if at all, to respond to Hale's presence; the University Chaplain, who is in charge of recognizing religious groups; and you, the University community.

Possible
Constraints:

 In the summer of 1999, Benjamin Smith, a one-time member of the WCOTC, went on a shooting rampage in Illinois and Indiana. Over the fourth of July weekend, he killed Ricky Byrdsong, a former basketball coach at Northwestern, while he was walking outside his home in Skokie, and Won-Joon Yoon, an Indiana University student, while leaving his church. In addition, Smith shot at six Orthodox Jews walking home from Sabbath services, an Asian-American couple in a car, and three African Americans, two of whom were wounded. He then committed suicide. For more details, see the CNN coverage of the incident.

The WCOTC has a substantial internet presence; check out its home site, especially the FAQ; and this additional source of literature & links. The pamphlet that was passed out at Northwestern has the same title, at least, as this online essay.

For reports about Matt Hale, the WCOTC, and previous incidents of violence, see:

The Daily Northwestern has provided this ongoing coverage of the events:

NUComment reflects on the SDS rally

Editorials, columns and letters to the editor, from the Daily:

When I offered extra credit to any student in the class who would watch Hale's appearance on campus, report what happened and put forward their opinion about it, I got this protest from a student, not in the class, who argued that this opportunity was ill advised.

Decision:

 President Bienen issued this letter to the university community, calling on us to "boycott" Hale's demonstration. Your decision is of course up to you.

Related
issues:

 Harm to society
Offense
Northwestern
Evanston
Illinois
Universities

Notes:

 None.

For help
with these categories.

 Copyright © 1998 Jean Goodwin. All rights reserved.
jeangoodwin@nwu.edu
Last updated 24 January 2000
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