Anti-Coulter groups plan counterattack

Groups typically attacked by conservative commentator Ann Coulter said today they are happy she plans a visit to Xavier University next month. In fact, they are asking for $5 donations for student groups "who represent the values Coulter vilifies in her speeches and writings."

The visit, as reported by the Xavier University Newswire, is at a time to be announced on Sept. 6 at the Schiff Family Conference Center at Cintas Center. Groups opposed to Coulter's views are planning a separate forum and rally, also on campus, where they say they will distribute the funds.

Coulter's speaking fees range from $20,000 to $30,000, but funds are being raised by the College Republicans to sponsor her talk, which is open to the public. That equals about $5 for every student enrolled at Xavier, according to Bo Shuff, director of education and public policy for Equality Ohio, a gay rights group. "Donations are starting to come in,'' Shuff said this afternoon.

The groups leading the "counter Coulter" effort range from Xavier student groups to local groups like Equality Cincinnati, Democracy for Cincinnati and the Cincinnati chapter of the National Organization for Women. National organizations like People for the American Way and the Human Rights Campaign also have joined in.

"Our goal was to empower student groups on Xavier's campus that seek to expand the conversation beyond divisive rhetoric," Shuff said. "We hope the money helps students to promote real dialogue about American values like compassion and civil rights."

Coulter is a columnist, political commentator and best-selling author. Her candor, including remarks critical of the widows of firefighter victims from Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and, more recently, aimed at Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, attract national media attention.

"Every protest and every heckler she attracts wherever she appears means more publicity for her and bigger speaking fees," said Patrick McNearny, president of the Xavier Gay-Straight Alliance. "We are glad to be able to do something different that is a win for the Xavier community."

"Whenever someone as divisive as Ann Coulter comes to our state, we can't just sit on our hands," Brian Rothenberg, executive director of ProgressOhio, said in a separate news statement. "We can stoop to her level, or we can take the opportunity to promote important values like diversity, compassion, and equality. We chose the latter."