Conservative speaker event spurs student rally at UConn

STORRS, Conn. – University of Connecticut students are calling on school officials to put a stop to hate speech on campus, in response to an altercation featuring a conservative commentator earlier this week.

Students said Friday at a rally that the university should not condone speeches like the one titled, “It’s OK To Be White.” The speech was given on campus Tuesday by Lucian Wintrich, the White House correspondent for the right-wing blog Gateway Pundit.

A young woman appeared to take paperwork off the lectern during Wintrich’s speech. Cellphone video showed Wintrich running up and grabbing her. Police charged Wintrich with breach of peace.

Wintrich says he had every right to retrieve his property.

University spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz said in a statement that school officials welcome discussions with students about free speech issues.