Following the cancellation of a speech from Prof. William Ayers at the University of Wyoming, students and faculty members are planning a rally for free speech.  Ayers, a professor at the University of Illinois-Chicago, became a lightning rod for controversy during the 2008 election because of his association with President Obama and his past involvement with the Weather Underground. 

While Ayers has filed suit against the University, there has been little response from students or faculty members until now.  Sociology professor Dr. David Ashley, believes many of the faculty members are afraid to stand up for free speech and academic freedom.

“I think many of the faculty are cowed and fearful.  There’s not much they can do to me, but I certainly wouldn’t be speaking out if I weren’t tenured,” Ashley told the Laramie Boomerang.

This is the second time that Ayers has been invited to campus, only to have his speaking engagement canceled. 

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