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Wednesday, March 9, 1988 / University Daily Kansan
KKK on campus
Joe Wilkins III/KANSAN
Police officials estimated that 2,000 people attended the forum Monday night.
I feel very relieved that this is over. I put myself on the line. People said it would never happen.' — Michael Foubert director, Slightly Older Americans for Freedom
The reason we were here today was to help the students secure free speech at this University. That was served here tonight. There was a virtual orgy of free speech — on the stage, outside in the protest, and in the audience.' — J. Allen Moran exalted cyclons, Missouri Knights
We had people in front of the building trying to break in, literally climbing all over the building trying to get in second-floor windows.'
Ralph Oliver assistant director, KU police
We will continue to learn more about the needs of faculty and students on campus. I am confident that we will respond effectively to the questions that had been raised and we will move ahead to make the campus a better place.
— Judith Ramaley executive vice chancellor
'On the night of the Klan appearance, we will sponsor a prayer vigil, and may the grace of God guide us all.'
The Rev. William Dulin pastor, Calvary Church of God in Christ
We are not going to sit down and hide. We will make sure we will not be afraid. Bring the Klan to our face and we will not sit back.'
— The Rev. Calvin Jackson pastor, First Regular Missionary Baptist Church
Above, protesters interrupt the forum by singing hymns and other songs, including "We Shall Overcome." The disruption lasted for more than an hour. Right, about 2,500 people gathered outside Hoch Auditorium. Observers climbed trees to get a better view.
Ioe Wilkins III/KANSAN
Above, although there were a few skirmishes between police and protesters, things remained generally peaceful.
I want to say how proud I am of students, faculty and staff at the University. They recognized the rights of others to free expression. We will continue to strengthen our commitment to eradicate racism from the campus climate.'
— David Ambler vice chancellor for student affairs
'We as free men have a right to listen and to learn. Only out of hatred and bigotry are you not willing to hear what we say.'
— Thom Robb national chaplain, Ku Klux Klan
The University is a unique institution. Its function primarily is to be an open forum where people can learn; and people can teach; and they can read; and they can study and they can be exposed to various points of view views representing all the current ideological trends.'
Right, the Klansmen brought their own bodyguards, and even their own photographer.
Laird Wilcox founder, Wilcox Collection of Contemporary Political Movements
Dale Fulkerson/KANSAN
If our society does not allow the Klan to speak, then we do not live in a free society. We have the most problems with racial violence when we can't talk about the issues. I think we'd be better off, including the people singing, if we could hear and talk about this calmly.'
— Ted Frederickson associate professor of journalism
Joe Wilkins III/KANSAN
Klansmen said before the forum that they would bring in Skinheads to provide Klan security. That prompted John F. Noonan, Webster
Groves, Mo., freshman, to attend the forum, in hopes of educating people that all skinheads were not hired thugs for the Klan.