Minnesota human rights organizations condemn U of MN cancelation of Nakba event featuring grandson of Nelson Mandela
Event relocated to CAIR-MN space
Minneapolis, MN – The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Minnesota) joins the Anti-War Committee and Twin Cities Coalition 4 Justice 4 Jamar Clark in condemning the University of Minnesota for canceling an event with Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of the late Nobel laureate Nelson Mandela, due to threats received.
Mandela was scheduled to speak in Minneapolis on Tuesday, May 16, at Cowles Auditorium at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs on campus. University officials told CAIR-MN the day before that the event was cancelled due to security concerns after a threat was issued online.
Because of the cancellation, the event is now planned to be held Tuesday, May 16, 7 p.m., at the CAIR-MN offices, 2511 E. Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis.
“Regrettably, the cancellation of the event featuring the grandson of Nelson Mandela is an embarrassment for the University of Minnesota, which possesses the resources needed to protect speakers from such threats,” said CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein. “This unfortunate decision conveys an unwelcoming message and emboldens those who seek to intimidate. However, we take pride in offering our offices as an alternative venue for the event. To ensure the safety of all attendees, we have implemented robust security protocols.”
“The Anti-War Committee is excited to host Mr. Mandela regardless of the U of M’s unwillingness to honor our rental agreement. Threats from white supremacists are not a reason to deny Minnesotans the opportunity to hear from Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, an elected member of the South African National Assembly, tribal chief of the Mvezo Traditional Council, and grandson of the late Nelson Mandela,” said Meredith Aby of the Anti-War Committee.