Accent Speaker’s Bureau’s announcement about Rev. Al Sharpton coming to UF was met with controversy Thursday.
Accent will be holding "A Conversation on Policing, Gun Violence, and Civil Rights" with Sharpton, a civil rights leader, and Raymond Kelly, a former New York City police commissioner, at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The two will be paid $60,000 combined to speak, said Kevin Gerson, Accent chairman.
When UF shared the event on its Facebook page, more than 100 people commented as of press time, with many expressing their anger that Sharpton would be on campus. Michael Rosselli, a UF philosophy senior, commented that Sharpton shouldn’t be coming to campus.
Rosselli, 21, said Sharpton has a reputation for saying provocative things.
For example, Sharpton has made derogatory comments about white, Mormon and Jewish people.
He said Sharpton shouldn’t be called a civil rights leader.
"It’s kind of insulting to other civil rights leaders," he said.
Gerson said Accent tries to bring prominent, influential and controversial speakers to UF.
"We look forward to the opportunity to continue forging a conversation," the 21-year-old said.
UF journalism and political science junior Alex Sargent said he will be attending the event and is looking forward to hearing two speakers who will present students with different opinions.
"I think they bring very good perspective on the issue," the 20-year-old said.
Contact Caitlin Ostroff at costroff@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter @ceostroff
