Minutemen founder may return to Columbia U.

Jim Gilchrest- the founder of the controversial anti-immigrant Minutemen Project- claimed that he might lecture again at Columbia University. Though he did not provide many details, Gilchrist told the university’s newspaper that he would accept an invitation to speak again though “nothing is completely solid at this point.”

Gilchrist’s previous visit to Columbia last October was interrupted not by the peaceful protest on campus but by a fracas on stage between protestors and Minutemen supporters (image). Some students were reprimanded in March for participating in the fight though Minutemen spokesmen were upset over what the viewed as a light punishment.

The university’s College Republican organization invited Gilchrist to the ill-fated October event. Yet one member of the group would not want Gilchrist back for a return engagement:

“There was an interesting reaction from College Republican director of operation Lauren Steinberg (class of 2009): ‘Personally, I really hope he's not coming. I mean, it was a fun time last year, but I don't need it to happen again.’”

Image- NYC Indymedia

Sources- Columbia Spectator, Gothamist, The Latin Americanist