LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – A memo providing details of angry communications from people furious about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s invitation to former radical William Ayers says the threats of violence and protests included veiled threats to kill him.
Psychology associate professor Mario Scalora, who is on the university threat assessment team, said in the memo released Wednesday that there would be “hell to pay” if Ayers’ scheduled appearance at a Nov. 15 education conference weren’t canceled.
University officials rescinded the invitation to Ayers on Friday, citing security concerns in the face of an outcry from university regents, the governor and Nebraskans from around the state.
“I hate violence, but I think that any directed at Ayers would be well deserved,” one blogger said, adding: “I wonder what kind of flag (Ayers) wants on his coffin.”
Ayers, an education professor in Illinois, was a founder of the Weather Underground, a group that claimed responsibility for bombing several government buildings, and has become a lightning rod in the U.S. presidential campaign.
The university said it received more than 1,000 e-mails and phone calls about the Ayers invitation.
Said Scalora in his memo: “We can be assured that we will have groups and frustrated individuals who will attempt to disrupt the event and attempt to be provocative toward Ayers and others in attendance.”
