Churchill speaks: 'I do not work for Bill Owens'
Feb 9, 2005
News4Colorado
BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) A defiant Ward Churchill told a standing-room-only
crowd he will not back down from his views.
Tuesday night the controversial University of Colorado professor spoke to
a full crowd inside CU's Glenn Miller ballroom about his controversial comments
concerning Sept. 11 victims.
Churchill also spoke out against those calling for his resignation. Churchill
made that point clear, as he delivered his first public lecture since coming
under fire for the essay that compares those who died in the World Trade
Center attack to Nazi's.
With the American Indian movement by his side, Churchill spoke to a crowd
of mostly supporters. And, he was defiant.
"I'm not backing up an inch," Churchill said. "I owe no one an apology."
Churchill accused the media of distorting his words. He also accused Gov.
Bill Owens of playing politics.
"I do not work for taxpayers, I do not work for Bill Owens," he said.
While Churchill took some questions from the audience, the media was not
invited to ask questions.
Last night's lecture almost didn't happen. CU officials cancelled the event
because of death threats. But then the students who reported those threats
retracted them.
Since the controversy started Churchill has had three appearances cancelled
by other colleges and universities. The University of Wisconsin is still
deciding if Churchill will be allowed to speak next month.