Reporter Volume 25, No.17 February 17, 1994

University officials last week defended the right of the Black Student
Union to invite Nation of Islam spokesman Khalid Abdul Muhammad to
campus, even as they regretted the "pain and anger" his message would
bring to members of the university community. 
	Speaking before the University Council a few hours before
Muhammad's scheduled appearance in Knox Hall, President Greiner
described how Muhammad had spoken here in November without fanfare and
been invited back by the Black Student Union for Black History Month.
In the meantime, Muhammad made "very offensive" comments Nov. 29 at
Kean College , N.J. that were widely reported, "producing a lot of
emotion," said Greiner.
	"Our approach is that it's routineQa student organization
followed the rules. The had to pay all costs, including the cost of
security." Muhammad, Greiner said, "has done nothing illegal of which
I'm aware. His presence here is not illegal. People are free to
comment on his appearance, (but) we can't censor people for fear of
what we think they might say."
	Greiner said he held a candle at the Student Union vigil
organized by UB for Peace. What he observed was "institutional upset,"
rather than "personal anger." 
	He added: "I think our students and faculty are handling this
very well."
	Earlier in the week, Vice President for Student Affairs Robert
L. Palmer issued a statement, noting that the invitation to Muhammad
"is of concern to members of the university and broader community.
They have expressed both pain and anger that an individual whom they
perceive to have anti-Semitic, anti-Roman Catholic, and
anti-homosexual views will be speaking at the university.
	"The Division of Student Affairs," Palmer said, "promotes
understanding and sensitivity between and among our diverse student
body and we empathize with their concerns. However, the Division also
embraces the important concepts of freedom of speech and expression.
Indeed, these freedoms are a powerful tradition in America, and
nowhere does it have greater or more significant power than in
universities."
	He added: "The University at Buffalo should not attempt to
repress free expression because a particular view or views are morally
repugnant or personally offensive to members of the university
community. In fact, the Rules of the Board of Trustees of the State
University of New York specifically state, 'No student, faculty, or
other staff member or authorized visitor shall be subject to any
limitation or penalty solely for the expression of his views nor for
having assembled with others for such purpose.'
	"Over the years, many controversial issues and speakers have
been presented at the university," Palmer continued. "As a university
community, we have a responsibility to maintain an environment that
promotes the free expression and challenge of ideas, but recognizes
and considers the sensitivities of our diverse populations."
	As chief student affairs officer, Palmer said he was
"committed to helping create a positive, supportive, and sensitive
environment for all students. Admittedly, I am disappointed that the
student organization which chose to invite Khalid Abdul Muhammad to
campus was not more sensitive to the impact this might have on our
university community in general. However, I defend their right to
extend such an invitation."