Terrorists Should Not Speak at American Universities

Washington, D.C.- On Wednesday, Congressman Lamborn sent a letter to the University of California, Merced and San Francisco State University (SFSU) regarding their attempt to host Leila Khaled for a webinar. Leila Khaled is an openly acknowledged leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a Marxist organization the U.S. State Department has designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Congressman Lamborn issued the following statement:

"I am amazed that UC Merced is joining San Francisco State University's continued attempts to host the terrorist Leila Khaled for a seminar. I am deeply concerned with the relationship that SFSU has with radicals and even terrorists. This anti-Semitic terrorist has no place speaking in America. The university officials who continue to give platforms to this hate are participating in this evil. I remain committed to limiting the spread of terrorist propaganda."

Leila Khaled was an accomplice in the hijacking of two commercial airlines. She has a lifelong goal of eliminating Israel through violent terrorism. UC Merced and San Francisco State University are in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2339B which states that "Whoever knowingly provides material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization … shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years." This is the second time SFSU has tried to host Mrs. Khaled for an event. Last year, Congressman Lamborn sent a letter to Secretary DeVos and succeeded in stopping the event. Congressman Lamborn also sent a letter to the Department of Justice advising prosecution for SFSU.

Contact: Cassandra Sebastian (719) 520-0055