July 7, 2010
Olathe university refuses to host immigration forum

As rhetoric around the immigration debate intensified this week, an Olathe university canceled the use of its campus.

MidAmerica Nazarene University had agreed to host a forum Tuesday planned by Kansas secretary of state candidate Kris Kobach, who helped draft Arizona’s immigration law. A controversial Arizona sheriff, Joe Arpaio, planned to attend.

University President Edwin Robinson said Internet discussions and e-mails he received made him worry about safety as well as the school’s reputation as an impartial place for public discussion.

“I don’t mind a clash of ideology, but the rhetoric on both sides was escalating to the point that I was concerned,â€