Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs apparently extended an invitation to Iranian President Ahmadinejad to speak at the school’s World Leaders Forum. According to Columbia Spectator and JTA, the invitation was accepted but the event, which was scheduled for Rosh Hashana eve, was cancelled because the “school couldnt make proper security and logistical arrangements.” But BWOG reports that Public Affairs Director Robert Hornsby denied the event was ever scheduled. The New York Sun reported that the invitation was shrouded in “secrecy and confusion,” with President Bollinger’s statement about the invitation released just before midnight last night. The same article noted that Columbia’s vice president for public affairs, Susan Brown, denied the invitation, calling it a rumor.
LionPAC, Columbia’s pro-Israel student group posted flyers protesting the event across campus.