Is the film “American Sniper” too offensive or controversial to show at the University of Michigan?
Well, yes and no.
The University of Michigan late Wednesday night reversed a decision not to show the film, starring Bradley Cooper, on campus at the UMix, a university sponsored social event on Friday, The Michigan Daily reports.
Some students of Middle Eastern descent see the screening as offensive. Administrators first responded to them by cancelling the event.
But a student petition Wednesday demanded the university reverse its decision to cancel the show, the Daily reports.
The film's backers include UM's new football coach:
Michigan Football will watch "American Sniper"! Proud of Chris Kyle & Proud to be an American & if that offends anybody then so be it!
— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) April 9, 2015
“It was a mistake to cancel the showing of the movie "American Sniper” on campus as part of a social event for students,” according to a statement by E. Royster Harper, vice president for student life, the Michigan Daily reported. “The initial decision to cancel the movie was not consistent with the high value the University of Michigan places on freedom of expression and our respect for the right of students to make their own choices in such matters.”
“We recognize, however, that some students are uncomfortable with the content of the movie, and appreciate that concern,” she added.
Students who had opposed the film called the university's reversal, disappointing, The Michigan Daily writes.
