On Tuesday, the University of Michigan canceled a screening of American Sniper on campus after a student-led petition. Sophomore Lamees Mekkaoui told the Detroit Free-Press, "As a student who identifies as an Arab and Middle Eastern student, I feel that 'American Sniper' condones a lot of anti-Middle Eastern and North African propaganda."
Jim Harbaugh wants to show Michigan football ‘American Sniper’ for America
“If that offends anybody then so be it!”
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
But many people disagreed with that decision! This includes football coach Jim Harbaugh, who now wants to watch the dang movie just because.
Michigan Football will watch "American Sniper"! Proud of Chris Kyle & Proud to be an American & if that offends anybody then so be it!
— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) April 9, 2015 Several Michigan players voiced support for their coach on Twitter, too.
Coach's Twitter game is strong but that last tweet has me fired up!!
— Wilton Speight (@WiltonSpeight) April 9, 2015 Hell yeah https://t.co/T3mkR5Wjw2
— Shane Morris (@ShaneMorris_7) April 9, 2015 In response to the backlash, Michigan announced it *would* show the film. The school’s vice president of student life E. Royster Harper explained the reversal in a statement:
It was a mistake to cancel the showing of the movie ‘American Sniper’ on campus as part of a social event for students.
The initial decision to cancel the movie was not consistent with the high value the University of Michigan places on freedom of expression and our respect for the right of students to make their own choices in such matters.
The movie will be shown at the originally scheduled time and location. We recognize, however, that some students are uncomfortable with the content of the movie, and appreciate that concern.
Therefore, the university also will show an alternative movie, “Paddington,” in another location on campus at that same time and date to provide our students with additional options that evening.
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Vox Video: The American Sniper controversy
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