CSUSM nixes Michael Moore visit

By: BRUCE KAUFFMAN - Staff Writer | Monday, September 13, 2004 9:25 PM PDT ∞

SAN MARCOS ---- Saying there is too little time before the November election to provide a "balancing perspective," officials at Cal State San Marcos on Monday vetoed plans to bring anti-Bush provocateur filmmaker Michael Moore to North County in October.

In a memo, CSUSM President Karen S. Haynes said Moore would be invited to campus sometime after the election.

Her decision renders moot a vote Friday of the board of Associated Students Inc., the student government body, to spend $6,500 toward bringing Moore to campus on Oct. 13.

It's the second time in a year that scheduled appearances by the noted Bush basher at the university have been postponed. In October 2003, the wildfires forced cancellation of a Moore speech.

Wrote Haynes, "Universities are about the exchange of ideas. Some ideas are uncomfortable, but being exposed to them is how we become confident of our own beliefs and values. That said, however, it is important that discussions be balanced."

Haynes noted that Moore's proposed Oct. 13 appearance does not allow time to find and book a speaker "of comparable significance" to provide that balance. She added, "We look forward to a balanced presentation of ideas that will enhance the academic programs at this university."

Jon Dindas, a vice president at Moore's booking agency, Greater Talent Network Inc. in New York, said he had no knowledge of the university's decision and would have no comment.

Haynes was unavailable Monday afternoon to talk about the decision. Francine Martinez, CSUSM's vice president of student affairs and one of the administrators at an executive council meeting Monday morning where the matter was discussed, said the university must officially remain neutral as Nov. 2 approaches.

"In any election year, we really need to be very cognizant of presenting balanced views," she said. "The university is nonpartisan."

Martinez also said that students had invited Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for a pre-election speech, but received no response. She suggested that if the governor would speak sometime before Nov. 2, Moore could keep his October date.

University spokesman Rick Moore, who is not related to the filmmaker, said it would be highly unlikely that a "balancing viewpoint" could be found between now and Election Day.

"So, we're basically going to say thanks, but no thanks, and try to schedule something in the spring," he said.

On Friday, in the face of protests from the student Republican organization and 150 petition signers, the CSUSM student government body, Associated Students Inc., voted 12-3 to spend $6,500 to help bring the author and filmmaker to the region.

The money, which was to be derived from mandatory student activity fees, was to be supplemented with nearly $20,000 from a general fund for the campus arts and lecture series and from other mandatory student fees earmarked for activities related to instruction. The dean of students, Jonathan Poullard, offered $500 from a discretionary fund. The university planned to make up about a $10,500 difference ---- the visit was expected to cost about $37,500 ---- with proceeds from ticket sales.

Moore's highly-charged documentary, "Fahrenheit 9/11," remains on the bill for the fall arts and lecture series this semester. The first documentary to bring in more than $100 million at the box office, the film paints President Bush as cynically manipulating the aftermath of the attacks on the United States. The screening is set for 6 p.m. Oct. 5 at Arts 240.

Calls and e-mails on Monday to student government officers, representatives of both right- and left-leaning student political groups, a faculty member who helps organize the arts and lecture series and the office of the dean of students were not returned.

Moore had been set to speak at Cal State San Marcos in October 2003, but the Cedar and Paradise wildfires got in the way. Poullard told those at Friday's student government meeting that Moore's bookers called him to express interest in rescheduling. Martinez said Oct. 13 was chosen because the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, could supply a venue.

In her note to the campus, Haynes said "we applaud the spirited discussion" at the student government meeting about contributing to the cost of Moore's appearance.

That discussion revolved not only around whether to spend student fees for a highly partisan speaker just before the election, but also around whether Moore could sway any votes. Students on both sides of the political fence seemed to agree Moore would not change many minds.

Martinez on Monday reflected a view expressed at the meeting by student government officer Cheyenne Barr, who said that though many students "will be pissed" about the filmmaker's visit, it may also excite political participation.

"The students were excited about having him," Martinez said. "There's a strong get-out-the-vote campaign on the campus. ... Regardless of your politics, his presence would at least get you to the polls."

Contact staff writer Bruce Kauffman at (760) 761-4410 or bkauffman@nctimes.com.