BOISE, Idaho – Claiming that a flyer posted by a student group is “insulting” and “offensive,” BSU
President Bob Kustra threatened action against the BSU College Republicans (BSUCR) through the
student judicial process, and may have terminated the Assistant Director of Student Activities who
approved the flyer for posting on campus.
“I can assure the campus community that steps have been taken to ensure accountability in the
approval process for any future event advertisements.” Kustra told the BSU Arbiter. Assistant Director
of Student Activities Michael Esposito was in charge of that approval process until he approved the
BSUCR flyer last week. Dr. Michael Laliberte, Vice-President of Student Affairs, told BSUCR that
Esposito is taking personal time off, but University officials, who declined to be named, insist that he
was forced to leave and say his contract will not be renewed. Esposito has not been at work or
available for comment since meeting with Kustra and Laliberte on Monday, March 19, 2007.
“It’s deplorable that the administration would fire an employee for doing their job and refusing to
censor student advertisements because of political content,” said Lindsay Christensen-Stoker, BSUCR
member. “Haven’t they heard of the First Amendment?”
The allegedly offensive material on the flyer advertised a “foodstamp drawing” using “False ID
documents” at an upcoming speaking event featuring Robert Vasquez, a well-known opponent to
illegal immigration.
In a news release dated March 19, BSU spokesman Frank Zang stated BSUCR would be “subject to
our student judicial process,” called the flyer “unacceptable and inappropriate in any context,” and said
the university would make an “example” out of the situation. Zang also told NewsChannel 7 that BSU
was taking steps “to make sure this does not happen again.”
It’s an intellectual inquisition. The University is
absolutely intolerant of diverse views, and they’re trying to silence our political opinions with threats
and intimidation. President Kustra’s remarks and actions are extremely offensive and disrespectful
towards those who oppose illegal immigration.
Despite the threat of judicial action, the event will continue and flyers remain posted on campus.
We’re not going to stop advertising our event just because the BSU administration has no respect for
alternative views or freedom of speech. More information and copies of the flyer are
available at www.bsurepublicans.com.
Jonathan Sawmiller is President of the Boise State University College Republicans.
