Thread: TX: Simcox Protested

Minuteman draws protesters' ire
Demonstration disrupts speech by controversial group's founder
By: Lindsey Mullikin
Posted: 4/11/07

Police escorted five protesters outside during a Tuesday evening speech by Chris Simcox, founder of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps, arresting one and detaining another, said University spokeswoman Rhonda Weldon.

The Young Conservatives of Texas hosted Simcox, who spoke at the Geology Building. Constant chants and heckling from demonstrators hindered Simcox's speech, resulting in the police's intervention.

Weldon said one individual was arrested with a criminal trespassing charge, and another was detained briefly for "interfering with a police officer."

The Minuteman Corps, which consists of citizen volunteers, aids in the discovery of illegal border activity, according to the organization's Web site. Minutemen are required to complete a training session addressing immigration laws, contacting congressmen and using night vision and radio, said Clark Kirby, director of the Texas branch.

However, the organization has been called a vigilante group with the potential for violence and human rights violations by opposing organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union. No such incidents have been officially reported.

The Texas chapter, active since 2004, is the largest and most successful Minuteman unit extending from Rio Grande City to Hidalgo, Texas, Kirby said. He said volunteers range from business professionals to truck drivers.

It took administrators 10 minutes to quiet the chants of approximately 30 people attending the event.

Protesters shouted, "When I say racist, you say out! Racist! Out! When I say Simcox, you say out! Simcox! Out!"

Associate Dean of Students Margarita Arellano warned demonstrators three times before police officers escorted individuals out of the building.

"We have a duty to uphold free speech here," she said.

Austin resident Connor Reed, 26, helped lead the protesters' shouts.

"I think an attack on immigrants is an attack on native-born people," he said, "An attack on a part is an attack on the whole."

Simcox stood silently, arms crossed behind his back until the chants subsided.

"I don't blame the well-intentioned men and women who are coming here for a better life or for [the lives] of their families. I would do the same thing," Simcox said. "Actually, what I am doing now is revolting against my government in a peaceful way using the system, and that's the way we work as a nation."

Government sophomore Elizabeth Young, chairman of UT's YCT chapter, said the campus organization believes the Minutemen are doing what the government won't do.

"We view them as freedom fighters," she said.

That's exactly how those that are disruptive and cause a comotion should be handled. Unlike those university forums that allowed carzies to run up on stage and attack speakers.

Dixie

It is nice that this did not turn into a Columbia University situation. Did you see where those protestors only got a slap on the wrist? That is pathetic with a capitol P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C!!!

Austin resident Connor Reed, 26, helped lead the protesters' shouts.

Hmmm.......guess the main instigator wasn't even faculty, staff, or a student of the university. Reminds me of those fruits that were bussed into Farmers Branch, Hazelton, and other cities and towns by the enemy.