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STATEMENT ON DAVID CROSS PERFORMANCE

University of Utah's statement on David Cross' tweet promoting his performance at Kingsbury Hall.

Note: The performance is being produced through an outside promoter renting the public venue and is not affiliated with the University of Utah. The university rents many of its facilities to outside groups.  


“The University of Utah condemns bigotry and religious intolerance in any form. The offensive use of sacred religious imagery in a tweet by David Cross promoting his performance at Kingsbury Hall was in opposition to the university’s values of respect and inclusivity.

The use of the imagery was deeply offensive. At the same time, the First Amendment protects such speech, and the university cannot and will not censor content of those coming to campus. We acknowledge the free speech rights of individuals and entities who rent university facilities—even those with whom we disagree. By doing so, we protect the free speech rights of all.”

— University of Utah President Ruth V. Watkins